Senior School Counselor Salary in Leland, NC: $80,067 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Leland, NC — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $80,067/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Leland's price premium (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $85,542 in average-cost America. The 53% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior school counselors in Leland, NC, have the potential to earn a significant income, particularly those positioned at the top of the pay scale. With a projected 2026 top school counselor salary of $80,067 for the 90th percentile and a $66,628 salary for the 75th percentile, there exists a notable divide between the median annual salary of $52,220 and the earnings of top-tier professionals. Achieving this level of compensation requires not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also strategic advancements in specialized skills and roles within the educational system. Experienced counselors play essential roles that impact student outcomes, and as local demand for these services continues to grow, the professional landscape in Leland demonstrates strong earning potential for those dedicated to their craft.
About the Leland Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Leland
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Leland earn between $66,628 and $80,067 per year (2026 est.). This $39,841 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Leland median of $52,220 sits 18.83% below the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Leland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $52,220 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,628 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $80,067 | $104,780 |
In Leland, experienced school counselors (P90) earn 53.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top School Counselor Pay in Leland
Advanced Certifications in North Carolina
NC school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $52,220 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Leland employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Leland command premium compensation, often reaching the $66,628–$80,067 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Leland 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 Leland 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 North Carolina 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 Leland
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLeland ranks #29 of 45 North Carolina cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $80,067).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Leland ($80,067) is 6.63% above the North Carolina average P90 ($75,088).
2019 BLS Actual
$71,959
2025 BLS Actual
$78,459
2026 Current Est.
$80,067
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Leland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,959 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,786 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,924 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,135 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,067 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,709 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Leland saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $71,959 in 2019 to $78,459 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 $81,709 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leland 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 Leland
In Leland, specific areas of specialization can command higher salaries, allowing senior school counselors to maximize their earning potential. Expertise in high school college counseling, mental health and trauma-informed approaches, collaboration with special education teams, and roles like career and technical education (CTE) coordinator are crucial to improving student success and can lead to increased compensation. Additionally, the type of employer influences differences in pay; positions within K-12 public school districts are often structured by a step-and-lane pay scale, whereas private or charter institutions may offer competitive salaries but vary based on funding and student populations. Career advancement options at this level include roles such as lead school counselor, district counseling coordinator, or transitioning into school administration, all critical for enhancing both impact and income. Holding advanced credentials such as a Master's degree accredited by CACREP, state certification, and experience with supervised internships further contributes to elevating the pay scale for school counselors in North Carolina.
More salary data for Leland, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Leland in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Leland?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Leland?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Leland?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Leland?
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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 $78,459 for school counselors in the Leland 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 Leland 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