School Counselor Salaries in New Jersey — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026New Jersey pays school counselors a median wage of $77,940 per year — that's $37.47/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 7,590 school counselors make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
School Counselor salaries in New Jersey are above the national average by approximately $13,220. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
New Jersey's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for school counselors.
New Jersey School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in New Jersey after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — New Jersey School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the New Jersey median of $77,940.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — New Jersey
School Counselor Salary Trend in New Jersey — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, New Jersey has seen 13.9% wage growth for school counselors — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in New Jersey's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — New Jersey
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | $86,500 | $41.59 | +11.0% | 2,656 |
| Jersey City | $82,600 | $39.71 | +6.0% | 2,125 |
| Paterson | $80,300 | $38.61 | +3.0% | 1,366 |
| Elizabeth | $74,800 | $35.96 | -4.0% | 683 |
| Edison | $70,950 | $34.11 | -9.0% | 455 |
| Woodbridge | $67,800 | $32.60 | -13.0% | 303 |
Tip: Newark offers the highest school counselor salaries in New Jersey at $86,500/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
New Jersey vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, New Jersey sits in the mid-range for school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. New Jersey has a state income tax rate of up to 10.75%.
School Counselor Job Outlook in New Jersey
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors in New Jersey is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the New Jersey job market. New Jersey's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for school counselors.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in New Jersey
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in New Jersey typically adds $63,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Newark pays school counselors $86,500/yr — +11.0% above the New Jersey average. Simply relocating within New Jersey 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 New Jersey. 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 — -10.3% vs New Jersey.
Find School Counselor Jobs in New Jersey
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in New Jersey:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in New Jersey — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in New Jersey — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — Newark, NJ→