Senior School Counselor Salary in South Burlington, VT: $98,030 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in South Burlington, VT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,030/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back South Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $94,715 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
Achieving a top school counselor salary in South Burlington becomes increasingly attainable as professionals gain experience and refine their skills. In 2026, the potential for those at the upper end of the salary spectrum reaches an impressive $98,030. This figure stands in stark contrast to the median annual salary of $63,245, highlighting the significant income disparity that experienced counselors can leverage by expanding their expertise and responsibilities. Notably, the 75th percentile salary, projected at $80,620, further signals opportunities that await those who specialize and advance within the field. Advanced qualifications, such as a master's degree in counseling, relevant certifications, and a history of dedicated service, position counselors not only for better pay but also for meaningful impact within schools.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in South Burlington earn between $80,620 and $98,030 per year (2026 est.). This $53,118 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The South Burlington median of $63,245 sits 1.69% below the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | South Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,245 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,620 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,030 | $104,780 |
In South Burlington, 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 South Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Vermont
VT school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $63,245 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by South Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in South Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,620–$98,030 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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 Vermont 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 South Burlington
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedSouth Burlington ranks #2 of 9 Vermont cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $98,030).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in South Burlington ($98,030) is 1.86% below the Vermont average P90 ($99,890).
2019 BLS Actual
$88,103
2025 BLS Actual
$96,061
2026 Current Est.
$98,030
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,103 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,771 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,028 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,340 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,733 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,061 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,030 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,040 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in South Burlington saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $88,103 in 2019 to $96,061 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 $100,040 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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 South Burlington
Compensation strategies in South Burlington vary substantially based on specialization and employer type. Specifically, counselors focusing on areas such as high school college counseling, mental health or trauma-informed counseling, and those working with special education or the English language learner population typically command higher salaries. Additionally, senior roles in public school districts, charter schools, or even positions such as a district counseling coordinator tend to offer competitive pay structures that align with the K-12 step-and-lane scale. With a growing emphasis on mental health funding and a push to improve school counselor-to-student ratios, opportunities for leadership advancement, such as becoming a lead school counselor or dean of students, are on the rise. Moreover, obtaining higher certifications, including a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards credential or an advanced degree, can further enhance earning potential. Other non-salary benefits also contribute to a comprehensive compensation package, as senior counselors may access stipends for additional responsibilities or earn higher base pay through summer programs and extended contracts.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in South Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in South Burlington?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in South Burlington?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in South Burlington?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in South Burlington?
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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 $96,061 for school counselors in the South Burlington 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 South Burlington 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