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School counselors in New York typically earn a competitive salary, especially when compared to the national average for the profession – median salary of $92,129 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025) and projected to grow 5.1% from 2024 to 2034.
One of the main reasons school counselors in New York earn higher wages is the state’s high cost of living, particularly in major urban areas like New York City. To account for this, salaries are generally higher to help professionals maintain a reasonable standard of living.
Salaries for school counselors in New York can vary based on experience, education, and location within the state. Those working in urban or affluent areas tend to earn more than counselors in rural or less populated regions. Additionally, counselors with advanced degrees or years of experience typically see higher pay.
On average, school counselors in New York can expect to earn between $60,000 and $80,000 annually, with some earning even more depending on their qualifications and seniority. This makes the role of a school counselor in New York financially rewarding and competitive within the education sector.
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY | 1,240 | $83,752 |
| Binghamton, NY | 290 | $80,435 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY | 1,530 | $80,793 |
| Elmira, NY | 100 | $69,851 |
| Glens Falls, NY | 100 | $81,736 |
| Ithaca, NY | 230 | $78,323 |
| Kingston, NY | 170 | $97,582 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 19,890 | $99,503 |
| Rochester, NY | 1,560 | $75,638 |
| Syracuse, NY | 1,020 | $82,845 |
| Utica-Rome, NY | 370 | $78,777 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum, NY | 130 | $77,488 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025 |
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Capital/Northern New York nonmetropolitan area | 500 | $77,201 |
| Southwest New York nonmetropolitan area | 580 | $72,405 |
| Central East New York nonmetropolitan area | 500 | $75,710 | Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025 |
