School Counselor Salary in Danville, VA: $61,924 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Danville, VA earns a median $61,924/year (≈ $29.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Danville's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $60,004 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

The projected median annual salary for school counselors in Danville, Virginia, is set at $61,924 for 2026, slightly below the national median of $64,335. With a salary range spanning from $43,169 at the 10th percentile to $95,982 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local estimates based on the 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost indicators. The post-COVID expansion of mental health funding has created new opportunities for employment, driving demand for school counselors across the area. As schools focus on the growing need for mental health support, job prospects for counselors in Danville appear promising, making it an intriguing option for professionals in the field.
About the Danville Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,169 | $20.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,526 | $23.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,924 | $29.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,164 | $37.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,982 | $46.15 |
Median Salary Position
3.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Danville
In Danville, VA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,813 (2026 est.). At $61,924, the local median is 3.75% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Danville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Danville School Counselor Pay Compares
Danville median: $61,924/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Danville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $63,317 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -3.75% less |
School Counselors in Danville, VA earn a median of $61,924 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.75% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.20% below the Virginia state average of $63,317.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Danville has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Danville, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,924 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,004 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,804
2025 BLS Actual
$60,680
2026 Current Est.
$61,924
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Danville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,804 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,822 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,077 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,728 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,631 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,680 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,924 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,193 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Danville metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $53,804 (2019) to $60,680 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,193 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,389 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Danville 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) | $43,169 – $48,526 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,526 – $61,924 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,924 – $78,164 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,164 – $95,982 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Danville
Currently, there are seven school counselors employed in Danville, creating a niche market that, while small, presents unique opportunities for growth. The local cost of living index sits at 103.2, indicating a slightly higher expense environment compared to the national average. This means that while salaries may not be as high as elsewhere, the purchasing power can vary significantly based on individual lifestyle choices. Among the employers in Danville, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive pay, structured through a step-and-lane pay scale that rewards both experience and educational attainment, such as transitioning to a master's plus 30 credits or a doctorate. Strategies to maximize earnings in this market include pursuing advanced degrees, seeking summer program roles, or taking on stipended positions like department head, all of which can significantly enhance overall compensation for school counselors in the region.
More salary data for Danville, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $60,680 for school counselorsin the Danville 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 Danville 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