Senior School Counselor Salary in Somerville, MA: $123,275 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Somerville, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $123,275/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Somerville's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $113,618 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 Somerville, Massachusetts, the earning potential for seasoned school counselors is notably lucrative, especially at the senior level. Those reaching the 90th percentile can command salaries as high as $123,275 in 2026, a figure that significantly surpasses the national median of $64,335, indicating a strong market for top talent in the area. Furthermore, with a median annual salary of $79,533, the financial landscape in Somerville demonstrates a robust experience premium; experienced school counselors have the opportunity to earn well beyond their peers nationally. Attaining top-tier pay in this competitive environment typically requires advanced credentials such as specialized certifications, along with years of dedicated experience and a track record of effective counseling in diverse educational settings.
About the Somerville Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Somerville
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Somerville earn between $101,589 and $123,275 per year (2026 est.). This $67,467 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Somerville median of $79,533 sits 23.62% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Somerville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $79,533 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,589 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $123,275 | $104,780 |
In Somerville, 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 Somerville
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $79,533 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Somerville employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Somerville command premium compensation, often reaching the $101,589–$123,275 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Somerville 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 Somerville 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 Somerville
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSomerville ranks #3 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $123,275).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Somerville ($123,275) is 4.12% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$110,791
2025 BLS Actual
$120,799
2026 Current Est.
$123,275
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $110,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $112,889 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,212 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $115,357 | Actual |
| 2024 | $136,375 | Actual |
| 2025 | $120,799 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $123,275 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $125,803 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Somerville saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $110,791 in 2019 to $120,799 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 $125,803 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Somerville 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 Somerville
In Somerville, various specializations can significantly enhance earning potential for senior school counselors. Those focusing on high school college counseling, mental health initiatives, and special education collaboration are in high demand. Furthermore, differences in compensation can be observed based on the type of employer, with K-12 public school districts generally adopting a step-and-lane pay scale similar to that seen in teaching roles. As senior counselors move into leadership positions—such as district counseling coordinator or dean of students—they can expect more competitive salaries and a broader scope of influence within their schools. Credentials play a pivotal role, as counselors with advanced degrees or additional certifications may find themselves in a better position to negotiate higher salaries. Non-salary compensation can also impact total earnings; many districts offer extended year contracts, stipends for leadership roles, and incentives for pursuing further educational qualifications, making the financial rewards for experienced professionals in Somerville, MA, quite appealing.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Somerville in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Somerville?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Somerville?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Somerville?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Somerville?
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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 $120,799 for school counselors in the Somerville 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 Somerville 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