Senior School Counselor Salary in Plymouth, MA: $122,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $122,447/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $112,854 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
Plymouth, Massachusetts, presents a compelling financial landscape for experienced school counselors, particularly those who elevate their careers into senior roles. In 2026, the top earners in this sector can command salaries reaching $122,447, which positions them significantly above the national average for senior school counselor pay, where the median stands at $64,335. The distinction between the median salary of $78,998 and the upper tier demonstrates the potential for advancement that exists for seasoned professionals. Building a career to this level involves not only an extended tenure of 7 years or more in various counseling roles but also a commitment to acquiring specialized skills and certifications that are increasingly valued in the competitive job market.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $101,117 and $122,447 per year (2026 est.). This $67,884 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $78,998 sits 22.79% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,998 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,117 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $122,447 | $104,780 |
In Plymouth, 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 Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $78,998 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $101,117–$122,447 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #8 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $122,447).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Plymouth ($122,447) is 3.42% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$110,046
2025 BLS Actual
$119,987
2026 Current Est.
$122,447
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,046 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,131 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,451 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,841 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,581 | Actual |
| 2024 | $135,459 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,987 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,957 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $110,046 in 2019 to $119,987 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 $124,957 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Specializations in high-demand areas can lead to enhanced compensation, especially for senior school counselors in Plymouth. For instance, expertise in college counseling for high school students, mental health, trauma-informed strategies, as well as collaboration in special education, can significantly boost salary prospects. Compensation packages can also vary depending on employer types; positions in K-12 public school districts might offer a structured step-and-lane pay scale aligned with experience, while private schools may offer different financial incentives. Advanced credentials such as a state school counselor certification, a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program, or participation in the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards can further increase salary prospects. Non-salary benefits, such as additional stipends for leadership roles or participation in extended-year contracts, add value to the overall compensation picture for experienced school counselors navigating their careers in Plymouth, MA.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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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 $119,987 for school counselors in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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