School Counselor Salary in Suffolk, VA: $62,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Suffolk, VA earns a median $62,273/year (≈ $29.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $60,342 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, VA, the projected median annual salary for school counselors in 2026 stands at $62,273, slightly below the national median of $64,335. This salary range varies significantly, with 10% of counselors earning as little as $45,617 and the top 10% making up to $96,523. With an actual counselor-to-student ratio that exceeds the ASCA's recommended 1:250 benchmark, this reflects the growing demand for counselors amidst increased funding focused on mental health support following the COVID-19 pandemic. The data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates, indicates an evolving job market that may offer intriguing opportunities for current and aspiring school counselors in the district.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,617 | $21.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,692 | $24.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,273 | $29.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,705 | $37.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,523 | $46.40 |
Median Salary Position
3.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,906 (2026 est.). At $62,273, the local median is 3.21% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk School Counselor Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $62,273/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $63,350 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -3.21% less |
School Counselors in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $62,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $63,350.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,273 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,342 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,107
2025 BLS Actual
$61,022
2026 Current Est.
$62,273
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,107 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,131 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,398 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,047 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,537 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,028 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,022 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,550 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $54,107 (2019) to $61,022 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,550 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,443 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $45,617 – $50,692 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,692 – $62,273 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,273 – $78,705 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,705 – $96,523 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Suffolk
Suffolk's local job market includes approximately 15 school counselors, all operating in a locality with a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which suggests a slightly higher expense than the national average. This means that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power is challenged by the cost of living. Employers in the area include various K-12 public school districts, which typically align salaries with a step-and-lane pay structure based on years of experience and education. Counselors can maximize their potential earnings by considering positions that offer extended contracts or stipends for additional responsibilities, such as leading clubs or overseeing specialized programs. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics is essential for counselors in Suffolk as they navigate their career paths in a tightening job market.
More salary data for Suffolk, 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 $61,022 for school counselorsin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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