School Counselor Salary in Centreville, VA: $62,970 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Centreville, VA earns a median $62,970/year (≈ $30.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Centreville's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,017 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, school counselors in Centreville, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $62,970, which is slightly below the national average of $64,335. The salary range for these professionals spans from $42,211 at the 10th percentile to $97,604 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the considerable variance depending on experience and education. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, showcasing how local hiring trends, particularly in response to expanded mental health funding following the COVID-19 pandemic, are influencing salaries. The current job market indicates a stable opportunity for school counselors, especially as schools prioritize mental health resources amid a growing recognition of their importance.
About the Centreville Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,211 | $20.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,722 | $24.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,970 | $30.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,601 | $38.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,604 | $46.92 |
Median Salary Position
2.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Centreville
In Centreville, VA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,393 (2026 est.). At $62,970, the local median is 2.12% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Centreville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Centreville School Counselor Pay Compares
Centreville median: $62,970/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Centreville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $63,350 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -2.12% less |
School Counselors in Centreville, VA earn a median of $62,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.12% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.60% below the Virginia state average of $63,350.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Centreville has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Centreville, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,970 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,017 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$54,712
2025 BLS Actual
$61,705
2026 Current Est.
$62,970
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Centreville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,712 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,748 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,041 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,686 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,192 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,824 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,705 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,970 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,261 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Centreville metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $54,712 (2019) to $61,705 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,261 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,549 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Centreville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.05% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,211 – $50,722 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,722 – $62,970 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,970 – $80,601 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,601 – $97,604 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Centreville
The presence of 14 school counselors in Centreville points to a competitive yet manageable job market for professionals in this field. However, the local cost of living index stands at 103.2, indicating that potential salary may not stretch as far as in less expensive areas. K-12 public school districts are generally the largest employers for school counselors, with pay rates often determined by step-and-lane salary scales that consider years of experience and educational attainment. Factors contributing to the significant salary spread include the different roles assigned in school systems, such as those who take on additional responsibilities or extended contracts. Counselors aiming for higher pay in Centreville may consider pursuing advanced degrees or specialized certifications, participating in summer programs, or exploring leadership positions to enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Centreville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Centreville, VA in 2026?
Is Centreville, VA a good place to work as a school counselor?
Can school counselors make $100K in Centreville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted school counselor salary in Centreville?
How much does a school counselor make per hour in Centreville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,705 for school counselorsin the Centreville metropolitan area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Centreville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.05%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for school counselors (SOC 21-1012).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov