School Counselor Salary in Chino, CA: $97,804 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Chino, CA earns a median $97,804/year (≈ $47.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Chino's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $86,476 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The expansion of mental health funding post-COVID has significantly impacted the compensation landscape for school counselors in Chino, CA, where the projected median salary for 2026 stands at $97,804. This figure sits well above the national median of $64,335, indicating a strong market for school counseling professionals in the area. Salaries for school counselors here range from $68,128 at the low end to $151,595 for those at the top 10%, suggesting a diverse pay structure that reflects experience and educational attainment. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight both the demand for counselors and the financial investment communities are willing to make in supporting mental health initiatives in schools throughout Chino.
About the Chino Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,128 | $32.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,053 | $37.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,804 | $47.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,701 | $59.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $151,595 | $72.88 |
Median Salary Position
52.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chino
In Chino, CA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,467 (2026 est.). At $97,804, the local median is 52.02% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chino: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chino School Counselor Pay Compares
Chino median: $97,804/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chino Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $96,740 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +52.02% more |
School Counselors in Chino, CA earn a median of $97,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 52.02% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.10% above the California state average of $96,740.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chino has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chino, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,804 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,476 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$84,978
2025 BLS Actual
$95,839
2026 Current Est.
$97,804
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Chino (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,978 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,587 | Actual |
| 2021 | $90,148 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,597 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,936 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,633 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,804 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,809 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chino metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $84,978 (2019) to $95,839 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,809 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,831 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chino metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.05% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,128 – $77,053 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,053 – $97,804 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,804 – $124,701 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,701 – $151,595 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Chino
Chino’s job market for school counselors includes around 17 employed professionals, which creates a competitive environment for both hiring and salary negotiations. The cost-of-living index in the area is 113.1, higher than the national average, meaning that while salary figures reflect a robust compensation package, the local economy also demands a careful approach to budgeting and spending power. Among K-12 public school districts in Chino, those that offer the most lucrative positions often apply the step-and-lane pay structure based on years of experience and education levels. Quality compensation can also depend on additional responsibilities, such as extended school year contracts or stipends for roles like department heads. To maximize pay, counselors should consider pursuing advanced certifications, engaging in community involvement, or participating in specialized programs that enhance their appeal to prospective employers.
More salary data for Chino, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Chino, CA in 2026?
Is Chino, CA a good place to work as a school counselor?
Can school counselors make $100K in Chino?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted school counselor salary in Chino?
How much does a school counselor make per hour in Chino?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $95,839 for school counselorsin the Chino metropolitan area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chino is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.05%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for school counselors (SOC 21-1012).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov