School Counselor Salary in Springfield, VA: $60,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Springfield, VA earns a median $60,971/year (≈ $29.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Springfield's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $59,080 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Springfield, Virginia, the school counselor salary is projected to reach a median of $60,971 in 2026, reflecting the local economic conditions and adjustments based on state-level data and regional price parities. The salary range for school counselors in this area is quite broad, with the lowest 10% earning around $45,973 while those at the top end can make as much as $94,504. These figures highlight a significant pay potential within the profession, although they provide a contrasting picture when placed alongside the national median salary of $64,335. Springfield's school counselors face a challenging 1:385 counselor-to-student ratio, considerably exceeding the American School Counselor Association's recommended benchmark of 1:250, which underscores the ongoing demand for these professionals amidst increasing mental health needs in the district.
About the Springfield Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,973 | $22.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,340 | $24.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,971 | $29.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,040 | $37.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,504 | $45.43 |
Median Salary Position
5.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Springfield
In Springfield, VA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,531 (2026 est.). At $60,971, the local median is 5.23% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Springfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Springfield School Counselor Pay Compares
Springfield median: $60,971/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Springfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $63,313 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -5.23% less |
School Counselors in Springfield, VA earn a median of $60,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.70% below the Virginia state average of $63,313.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Springfield has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Springfield, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,971 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,080 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,975
2025 BLS Actual
$59,746
2026 Current Est.
$60,971
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,979 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,198 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,313 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,543 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,746 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,221 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Springfield metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $52,975 (2019) to $59,746 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,221 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,246 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Springfield 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) | $45,973 – $50,340 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,340 – $60,971 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,971 – $78,040 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,040 – $94,504 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Springfield
An analysis of the job market in Springfield reveals that there are currently eight school counselors employed in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, indicating a slightly higher cost of living compared to the national average, which can impact the real purchasing power of salaries. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts generally offer competitive salaries due to established step-and-lane pay scales that account for experience and education levels. Compensation can vary significantly based on factors such as district premiums, additional qualifications beyond a master's degree, and the availability of extended contracts for summer work or specific roles such as department heads or club advisors. For aspiring school counselors in Springfield, strategically pursuing further education and certifications can greatly enhance earning potential, especially in a market still recovering from the heightened demand for mental health support in schools.
More salary data for Springfield, 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 $59,746 for school counselorsin the Springfield 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 Springfield 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