School Counselor Salary in Newport News, VA: $63,828 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Newport News, VA earns a median $63,828/year (≈ $30.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Newport News's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $61,849 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport News, Virginia, the expansion of mental health funding after the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the hiring of school counselors, reflected in the projected median salary of $63,828 for 2026. This median, while slightly below the national average of $64,335, offers a compelling range from $46,048 at the 10th percentile to as high as $98,933 at the 90th percentile, indicating variability based on experience and educational qualifications. These salary figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for the local cost of living, which stands above the national average. The school counselor job market in Newport News is further supported by the increasing recognition of mental health needs, leading to greater hiring in this essential profession.
About the Newport News Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,048 | $22.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,799 | $24.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,828 | $30.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,700 | $39.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,933 | $47.57 |
Median Salary Position
0.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newport News
In Newport News, VA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,885 (2026 est.). At $63,828, the local median is 0.79% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newport News: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newport News School Counselor Pay Compares
Newport News median: $63,828/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newport News Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $63,322 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | -0.79% less |
School Counselors in Newport News, VA earn a median of $63,828 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.79% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.80% above the Virginia state average of $63,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newport News has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newport News, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,828 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,849 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,458
2025 BLS Actual
$62,546
2026 Current Est.
$63,828
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Newport News (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,458 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,508 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,832 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,999 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,802 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,546 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,828 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,137 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newport News metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $55,458 (2019) to $62,546 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,137 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,679 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newport News 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) | $46,048 – $51,799 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,799 – $63,828 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,828 – $81,700 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,700 – $98,933 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Newport News
The job market for school counselors in Newport News features 39 employed professionals, yielding a competitive environment shaped by the local cost-of-living index of 103.2. This figure suggests that take-home pay may not stretch as far as it might in areas with a lower cost of living, emphasizing the importance of considering local economic factors when evaluating school counselor pay in Newport News, VA. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically follow a well-structured step-and-lane pay scale that rewards experience and education levels, while charter schools and private institutions may offer varying compensation packages based on their funding sources. As school counselors can expect to see salary growth driven by educational attainment, those looking to maximize their earning potential might consider pursuing additional qualifications beyond a master's degree. Engaging in summer programs or taking on stipend roles, like department head or club advisor, can also enhance overall compensation, making informed career choices vital for long-term financial wellness in this region.
More salary data for Newport News, 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 $62,546 for school counselorsin the Newport News 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 Newport News 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