School Counselor Salary in Oxnard, CA: $100,799 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Oxnard, CA earns a median $100,799/year (≈ $48.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Oxnard's price level (11% above national, BEA RPP 110.5), that paycheck buys what $91,193 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% above the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Oxnard, California, school counselors can expect a median annual salary of $100,799 in 2026, significantly above the national median of $64,335. The salary range for this position varies widely, from $52,784 at the 10th percentile to $140,673 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight a strong earning potential within the region. Given the district's implementation of a step-and-lane pay structure, placed counselors with advanced degrees, such as those holding a master's+30, may find themselves earning closer to the higher end of this spectrum. Overall, Oxnard's competitive salary reflects not only the local demand for school counselors but also the ongoing focus on mental health support in schools.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,784 | $25.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,367 | $35.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,799 | $48.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $130,741 | $62.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,673 | $67.63 |
Median Salary Position
56.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oxnard
In Oxnard, CA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,889 (2026 est.). At $100,799, the local median is 56.68% above the national median of $64,335.
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How Oxnard School Counselor Pay Compares
Oxnard median: $100,799/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oxnard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $96,736 | +4.20% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +56.68% more |
School Counselors in Oxnard, CA earn a median of $100,799 per year (2026 est.), which is 56.68% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 4.20% above the California state average of $96,736.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oxnard has a cost of living 10.53% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oxnard, CA has a cost-of-living index of 110.534 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $100,799 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $91,193 — a 9.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,510
2025 BLS Actual
$98,774
2026 Current Est.
$100,799
2019–2027 Growth
+34.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Oxnard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,370 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,100 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,770 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,774 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,799 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,865 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oxnard metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 29.1% from $76,510 (2019) to $98,774 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,865 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,355 (34.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxnard 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) | $52,784 – $73,367 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,367 – $100,799 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,799 – $130,741 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $130,741 – $140,673 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Oxnard
Oxnard's job market supports approximately 690 school counselors, indicating a robust demand for professionals in this field. However, the cost of living index in the area stands at 110.534, suggesting that although salaries are competitive, they are somewhat offset by higher living expenses. Among the various employers, public K-12 school districts generally offer the most attractive compensation packages, although private and charter schools may provide unique benefits. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to factors such as experience, education level, additional roles or stipends, and demand for counselors post-COVID, which has intensified due to heightened funding for mental health initiatives. For aspiring counselors in Oxnard, pursuing advanced education or taking on extra responsibilities within schools can be key strategies to maximize compensation in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Oxnard, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $98,774 for school counselorsin the Oxnard 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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