Senior School Counselor Salary in Lawrence, MA: $118,604 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Lawrence, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $118,604/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $109,312 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
Lawrence, Massachusetts offers significant earning potential for experienced school counselors, particularly for those reaching the heights of senior-level pay. In 2026, top earners in this field, nestled in the 90th percentile, can expect to take home an impressive $118,604 annually, while those in the 75th percentile earn around $97,944. This extensive compensation dwarfs the city's median salary of $76,518, highlighting the lucrative nature of specialized roles within the profession. Achieving this level of salary often necessitates a combination of advanced credentials and years of dedicated service, as well as specialized skills that cater to the evolving needs of local students and educational institutions.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $97,944 and $118,604 per year (2026 est.). This $63,540 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $76,518 sits 18.94% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $76,518 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,944 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $118,604 | $104,780 |
In Lawrence, 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 Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $76,518 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $97,944–$118,604 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #33 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $118,604).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Lawrence ($118,604) is 0.17% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$106,592
2025 BLS Actual
$116,221
2026 Current Est.
$118,604
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $106,592 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,611 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,922 | Actual |
| 2022 | $109,299 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,985 | Actual |
| 2024 | $131,208 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,221 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $118,604 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,035 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $106,592 in 2019 to $116,221 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 $121,035 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
In Lawrence, several critical areas of expertise command higher salaries and can significantly impact the earning potential of a senior school counselor. Professionals focusing on high school college counseling, mental health and trauma-informed practices, special education collaboration, career and technical education coordination, or support for English language learners are particularly well-compensated. Compensation can vary widely depending on the type of employer, ranging from K-12 public schools to private institutions, each following step-and-lane pay structures comparable to teachers. Opportunities for career advancement abound, with positions such as lead school counselor, district counseling coordinator, and school administrator available to those willing to pursue additional leadership credentials. Advanced qualifications, including specific state certifications and degrees from CACREP-accredited programs, further enhance earning prospects. Moreover, non-salary compensation factors like extended contracts, district premiums in higher cost-of-living areas, and additional stipends for leadership roles add to the overall appeal of senior school counselor pay in MA.
More salary data for Lawrence, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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 $116,221 for school counselors in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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