School Counselor Salaries in Massachusetts — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a school counselor make in Massachusetts? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $78,840/yr ($37.90/hr), with around 11,850 people working in this field statewide.
School Counselor salaries in Massachusetts are above the national average by approximately $14,120. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Massachusetts's dense urban areas and high living costs translate into competitive school counselor salaries.
Massachusetts School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Massachusetts after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Massachusetts School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Massachusetts median of $78,840.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — Massachusetts
School Counselor Salary Trend in Massachusetts — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for school counselors in Massachusetts: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Massachusetts's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — Massachusetts
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | $87,500 | $42.07 | +11.0% | 4,147 |
| Worcester | $83,550 | $40.17 | +6.0% | 3,318 |
| Springfield | $81,200 | $39.04 | +3.0% | 2,133 |
| Cambridge | $75,700 | $36.39 | -4.0% | 1,066 |
| Lowell | $71,750 | $34.50 | -9.0% | 711 |
| Brockton | $68,600 | $32.98 | -13.0% | 474 |
Tip: Boston offers the highest school counselor salaries in Massachusetts at $87,500/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Massachusetts vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Massachusetts sits in the mid-range for school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Massachusetts has a flat state income tax rate of 5%.
School Counselor Job Outlook in Massachusetts
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors in Massachusetts is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Massachusetts job market. Massachusetts's dense urban areas and high living costs translate into competitive school counselor salaries.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Massachusetts
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Massachusetts typically adds $64,600 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Boston pays school counselors $87,500/yr — +11.0% above the Massachusetts average. Simply relocating within Massachusetts can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. School Counselors who specialise in K-12 education typically command premium rates in Massachusetts. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New York pays school counselors $69,900/yr — -11.3% vs Massachusetts.
Find School Counselor Jobs in Massachusetts
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in Massachusetts:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in Massachusetts — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in Massachusetts — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — Boston, MA→