Senior School Counselor Salary in Burbank, CA: $148,080 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Burbank, CA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $148,080/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Burbank's price premium (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $130,928 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, the projected salary for senior school counselors in 2026 reflects the substantial earning potential in this role. With a median annual salary of $95,535, experienced professionals can earn upwards of $122,284 (P75) and even reach $148,080 (P90). These figures signify a notable gap between median and top-tier salaries, underscoring the experience premium that can be capitalized on with seven or more years in the field. Attaining such high pay requires not only a dedication to student development but also specialized training and advanced degrees, aligning with Burbank's competitive environment. When comparing the top salaries in Burbank to the national averages, the $148,080 potential comfortably exceeds the national median of $64,335, emphasizing the city's favorable economic position for seasoned school counselors.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Burbank earn between $122,284 and $148,080 per year (2026 est.). This $84,875 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burbank median of $95,535 sits 48.5% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Burbank | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $95,535 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,284 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $148,080 | $104,780 |
In Burbank, experienced school counselors (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top School Counselor Pay in Burbank
Advanced Certifications in California
CA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $95,535 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burbank employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Burbank command premium compensation, often reaching the $122,284–$148,080 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burbank metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced school counselors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured school counselors in Burbank with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
School Counselors in California who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
School Counselor Career & Wage Growth Path in Burbank
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurbank ranks #99 of 158 California cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $148,080).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Burbank ($148,080) is 5.66% above the California average P90 ($140,146).
2019 BLS Actual
$133,083
2025 BLS Actual
$145,105
2026 Current Est.
$148,080
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $133,083 | Actual |
| 2020 | $135,604 | Actual |
| 2021 | $135,992 | Actual |
| 2022 | $136,463 | Actual |
| 2023 | $138,568 | Actual |
| 2024 | $152,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $145,105 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $148,080 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $151,115 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Burbank saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $133,083 in 2019 to $145,105 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.05% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $151,115 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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.
Maximizing Your School Counselor Earnings in Burbank
Delving into the factors contributing to this robust compensation reveals a multifaceted landscape. Specialized areas such as high school college counseling, mental health support, and career and technical education (CTE) coordination tend to command higher salaries, enhancing the value of experienced school counselors in Burbank. Compensation varies notably across employer types, with K-12 public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions offering divergent pay scales, influenced by local budget constraints and cost of living adjustments. Career advancement is achievable through roles such as district counseling coordinator or school administrator, often necessitating additional certifications and leadership experiences. Furthermore, advanced credentials—like a Master's in School Counseling from a CACREP-accredited institution or National Board certification—serve as significant leverage points for negotiating salaries, especially within Burbank's high-cost environment. Non-salary benefits, such as the K-12 step-and-lane pay structure, summer contracts, and stipends for additional responsibilities, can further enhance the overall compensation package for senior school counselors in California.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Burbank in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Burbank?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Burbank?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Burbank?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Burbank?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $145,105 for school counselors in the Burbank metro area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burbank 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