Senior School Counselor Salary in Highland, UT: $86,371 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Highland, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,371/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Highland's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $88,044 in average-cost America. The 50% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Highland, Utah, the opportunity for seasoned school counselors to reach top-tier compensation is notable, with the potential salary for the highest earners (P90) projected at $86,371 in 2026. This figure contrasts significantly with the median annual salary of $57,638 for counselors in the area, highlighting a substantial experience premium. Achieving such a high salary often requires several years in the field, specialization in high-demand areas, and advanced credentials. Those at the pinnacle of the salary range usually combine comprehensive competencies, such as program development and case management skills, particularly in settings with a strong mental health focus or where collaboration with special education is vital. This dynamic not only reflects Highland's competitive educational landscape but also positions experienced counselors as indispensable assets to schools looking to enhance student outcomes.
About the Highland Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Highland
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Highland earn between $71,079 and $86,371 per year (2026 est.). This $45,574 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Highland median of $57,638 sits 10.41% below the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Highland | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,638 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,079 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,371 | $104,780 |
In Highland, experienced school counselors (P90) earn 49.85% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top School Counselor Pay in Highland
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $57,638 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Highland employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Highland command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,079–$86,371 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Highland 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 Highland 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 Utah 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 Highland
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHighland ranks #40 of 41 Utah cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $86,371).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Highland ($86,371) is 12.96% below the Utah average P90 ($99,236).
2019 BLS Actual
$77,624
2025 BLS Actual
$84,636
2026 Current Est.
$86,371
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Highland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,624 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,094 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,321 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,595 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,823 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,831 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,636 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,371 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,142 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Highland saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $77,624 in 2019 to $84,636 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 $88,142 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Highland 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 Highland
For senior school counselors in Highland, several factors contribute to elevated salaries, particularly in specialized areas such as high school college counseling or trauma-informed care. Positions in K-12 public school districts may yield different compensation compared to charter or private institutions, with senior counselors often benefiting from structured step-and-lane pay scales. Educational institutions are increasingly recognizing the need for expertise in areas like career and technical education (CTE) or support for English language learners (ELL), which can command premium salaries. Pursuing advanced credentials, including state certification or optional national board certification, can also significantly enhance earning potential. Leadership roles, such as district counseling coordinator or school administrator, offer pathways for further financial advancement. Additionally, non-salary benefits, such as extended school year contracts, stipends for departmental leadership, and high-cost-of-living adjustments, can augment overall compensation, making the senior school counselor pay in UT a compelling consideration for experienced professionals in the education sector.
More salary data for Highland, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Highland in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Highland?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Highland?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Highland?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Highland?
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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 $84,636 for school counselors in the Highland 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 Highland 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