Senior School Counselor Salary in Fall River, MA: $120,059 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Fall River, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $120,059/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Fall River's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $110,653 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 2026, the earning potential for senior school counselors in Fall River, Massachusetts, is notably competitive. With median salaries reaching $77,457, experienced counselors can aspire to even higher compensation, as evidenced by the substantial top-end figure of $120,059. This figure surpasses the national top earners' average, highlighting the financial advantages of working in this region. The significant gap between the median salary and the top-tier pay illustrates the experience premium that seasoned professionals can achieve. Advancing to this level typically demands mastery in specialized areas, a strong professional network, and a proven track record of impactful contributions in the educational environment.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fall River
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Fall River earn between $99,145 and $120,059 per year (2026 est.). This $62,902 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Fall River median of $77,457 sits 20.4% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Fall River | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $77,457 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,145 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $120,059 | $104,780 |
In Fall River, 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 Fall River
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $77,457 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Fall River employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Fall River command premium compensation, often reaching the $99,145–$120,059 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Fall River 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 Fall River 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 Massachusetts 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 Fall River
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFall River ranks #22 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $120,059).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Fall River ($120,059) is 1.4% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$107,900
2025 BLS Actual
$117,647
2026 Current Est.
$120,059
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,900 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,944 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,258 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,347 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,816 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,647 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $120,059 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,520 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Fall River saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $107,900 in 2019 to $117,647 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 $122,520 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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 Fall River
Compensation for senior school counselors can vary greatly based on specific specializations and types of employment. In Fall River, roles focusing on high school college counseling, mental health support, and collaboration with special education can command higher salaries, reflecting the demand for skills that address the current student needs effectively. Employment within K-12 public schools usually adheres to a structured step-and-lane pay scale similar to that of teachers, while alternative education settings such as charter schools and private institutions may offer divergent packages based on their funding models. Senior-level positions like district counseling coordinator or counselor educator present pathways for career advancement, as well as eligibility for advanced certifications, which can substantially enhance earning capacity. Credentials from CACREP-accredited programs, state certification, and additional qualifications like the National Board certification are critical for those looking to command top school counselor salaries in Fall River. Non-salary benefits, including extended contracts and stipends for leadership roles, also contribute to overall compensation and job satisfaction, making this field a viable and sought-after career for dedicated counseling professionals.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Fall River in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Fall River?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Fall River?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Fall River?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Fall River?
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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 $117,647 for school counselors in the Fall River 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 Fall River 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