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School counselors in Pennsylvania generally earn a decent salary, but whether it is considered “good” can vary based on factors like location, experience, and education level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for school counselors in Pennsylvania is $80,077 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025) and projected to grow 4.1% from 2024 to 2034.
In urban areas, such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, salaries tend to be higher due to a higher cost of living. Rural areas may offer lower salaries but often come with a lower cost of living. Additionally, school districts with larger budgets or higher funding may offer better compensation. Benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and job stability further enhance the value of the salary. However, some may argue that school counselors are underpaid given the level of responsibility and emotional labor involved in their role.
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ | 960 | $83,227 |
| Altoona, PA | 100 | $75,829 |
| Chambersburg, PA | 80 | $86,556 |
| Erie, PA | 260 | $71,772 |
| Gettysburg, PA | 80 | $89,038 |
| Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA | 620 | $79,624 |
| Johnstown, PA | 140 | $66,677 |
| Lancaster, PA | 460 | $81,223 |
| Lebanon, PA | 100 | $79,922 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 7,050 | $86,139 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 2,620 | $77,917 |
| Reading, PA | 390 | $76,402 |
| Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, PA | 620 | $72,297 |
| State College, PA | Not released | $74,624 |
| Williamsport, PA | 100 | $78,944 |
| York-Hanover, PA | 250 | $90,160 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025 |
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area | 260 | $77,285 |
| Northeastern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area | 230 | $81,282 |
| Central Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area | 330 | $76,056 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025 |
