Senior School Counselor Salary in Syracuse, UT: $92,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Syracuse, UT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $92,247/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Syracuse's price premium (BEA RPP 98.1, 2% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $94,034 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 Syracuse, the potential for top-tier compensation as a senior school counselor is significant, especially for those with a wealth of experience and specialized skills. With a projected annual salary of $92,247 at the 90th percentile in 2026, top earners in this area are positioned well compared to national figures, where the highest salaries typically reach $92,000 or more. This highlights an intriguing experience premium in Syracuse: the gap between the median salary of $59,515 and upper-tier earnings illustrates how much value seasoned professionals bring to their schools. Achieving such high compensation often requires both exceptional experience—generally over seven years—and a focus on high-demand areas of school counseling, such as college readiness or mental health support.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Syracuse
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Syracuse earn between $76,178 and $92,247 per year (2026 est.). This $51,362 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Syracuse median of $59,515 sits 7.49% below the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Syracuse | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $59,515 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,178 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $92,247 | $104,780 |
In Syracuse, 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 Syracuse
Advanced Certifications in Utah
UT school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $59,515 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Syracuse employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Syracuse command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,178–$92,247 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSyracuse ranks #25 of 41 Utah cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $92,247).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Syracuse ($92,247) is 7.04% below the Utah average P90 ($99,236).
2019 BLS Actual
$82,905
2025 BLS Actual
$90,394
2026 Current Est.
$92,247
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,475 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,322 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,655 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,394 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,138 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Syracuse saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $82,905 in 2019 to $90,394 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 $94,138 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Senior school counselors in Syracuse can elevate their earnings by specializing in in-demand areas that cater to today’s educational needs, such as high school college counseling and specialized support for students affected by trauma. Additionally, the type of employer influences compensation levels significantly; for instance, public school districts may offer structured step-and-lane pay scales, while private or charter schools could have more flexibility in their compensation strategies. Career advancement also opens doors for increased pay, with positions such as district counseling coordinator or school administrator available for those with leadership aspirations and further credentials. Advanced qualifications—like a Master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program or national board certification—can further enhance a senior counselor's earning potential, especially in a district that recognizes the financial investment in professional training. In this evolving landscape, Syracuse presents various ways for experienced counselors to maximize both financial rewards and their impact on students and schools alike.
More salary data for Syracuse, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Syracuse in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Syracuse?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Syracuse?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Syracuse?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Syracuse?
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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 $90,394 for school counselors in the Syracuse 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 Syracuse 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