Senior School Counselor Salary in Haverhill, MA: $121,984 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Haverhill, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $121,984/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Haverhill's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $112,428 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 Haverhill, Massachusetts, the potential for experienced school counselors to achieve top-tier compensation is substantial, with projected salaries reaching up to $121,984 in 2026. The median annual salary for seasoned professionals stands at $78,700, illustrating a significant gap between this figure and the top earners. Achieving this level of compensation requires several years of experience and often involves pursuing advanced credentials, specialized training, and leadership roles within the educational framework. When compared to national figures, the top school counselor salary in Haverhill reflects a premium of over 22% against the national median, emphasizing the financial rewards available to those who excel in the profession.
About the Haverhill Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Haverhill
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Haverhill earn between $100,736 and $121,984 per year (2026 est.). This $68,433 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Haverhill median of $78,700 sits 22.33% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Haverhill | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,700 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,736 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $121,984 | $104,780 |
In Haverhill, 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 Haverhill
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $78,700 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Haverhill employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Haverhill command premium compensation, often reaching the $100,736–$121,984 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Haverhill 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 Haverhill 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 Haverhill
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHaverhill ranks #11 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $121,984).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Haverhill ($121,984) is 3.03% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$109,631
2025 BLS Actual
$119,534
2026 Current Est.
$121,984
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Haverhill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,631 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,707 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,027 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,415 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,149 | Actual |
| 2024 | $134,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,534 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $121,984 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,485 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Haverhill saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $109,631 in 2019 to $119,534 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 $124,485 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Haverhill 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 Haverhill
Advanced specializations can further enhance the prospect of high salaries for senior school counselors in Haverhill. Those focusing on areas such as high school college counseling, mental health or trauma-informed counseling, and collaboration with special education teams often command premium pay. Differences in compensation are also observed among various employer types, with public K-12 districts, charter schools, and private institutions offering distinct packages tailored to their operational needs. To climb the career ladder, experienced counselors may aim for positions such as district counseling coordinator or school administrator, roles that typically require advanced leadership credentials. In Massachusetts, obtaining a state school counselor certification, along with a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program, is vital for accessing higher salaries. Additionally, many districts utilize a step-and-lane pay scale that considers years of experience and educational achievement, providing further motivation for counselors to pursue ongoing professional development and advanced credentials to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Haverhill, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Haverhill in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Haverhill?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Haverhill?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Haverhill?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Haverhill?
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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 $119,534 for school counselors in the Haverhill 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 Haverhill 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