School Counselor Salaries in Virginia — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026School Counselors in Virginia earn an average of $67,350 per year ($32.38/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 8,810 school counselors.
School Counselor salaries in Virginia are above the national average by approximately $2,630. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Virginia's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average school counselor pay.
Virginia School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Virginia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Virginia School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Virginia median of $67,350.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — Virginia
School Counselor Salary Trend in Virginia — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Virginia 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 Virginia's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — Virginia
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | $74,750 | $35.94 | +11.0% | 3,083 |
| Norfolk | $71,400 | $34.33 | +6.0% | 2,466 |
| Chesapeake | $69,350 | $33.34 | +3.0% | 1,585 |
| Richmond | $64,650 | $31.08 | -4.0% | 792 |
| Arlington | $61,300 | $29.47 | -9.0% | 528 |
| Alexandria | $58,600 | $28.17 | -13.0% | 352 |
Tip: Virginia Beach offers the highest school counselor salaries in Virginia at $74,750/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Virginia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Virginia sits in the mid-range for school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Virginia has a state income tax rate of up to 5.75%.
School Counselor Job Outlook in Virginia
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors in Virginia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Virginia job market. Virginia's blend of urban density and corporate presence supports above-average school counselor pay.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Virginia
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Virginia typically adds $55,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Virginia Beach pays school counselors $74,750/yr — +11.0% above the Virginia average. Simply relocating within Virginia 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 Virginia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. West Virginia pays school counselors $55,420/yr — -17.7% vs Virginia.
Find School Counselor Jobs in Virginia
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in Virginia:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in Virginia — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in Virginia — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — Virginia Beach, VA→