School Counselor Salary in Simi Valley, CA: $99,936 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Simi Valley, CA earns a median $99,936/year (≈ $48.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Simi Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $88,361 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Simi Valley, CA, the projected median annual school counselor salary for 2026 is $99,936, significantly higher than the national median of $64,335. This local compensation landscape spans a salary range from $68,499 at the 10th percentile to $154,900 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for substantial earnings within the profession. Simi Valley's employment of 23 school counselors reveals a meaningful commitment to mental health support, but the current counselor-to-student ratio prompts reflection. The American School Counselor Association recommends a 1:250 ratio, yet it highlights that many districts still face challenges in meeting these standards. Those considering or advancing in this career can find that the competitive pay in Simi Valley reflects a responsive job market amidst the ongoing expansion of mental health services following COVID-19.
About the Simi Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,499 | $32.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,146 | $37.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,936 | $48.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $127,918 | $61.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,900 | $74.47 |
Median Salary Position
55.34% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Simi Valley
In Simi Valley, CA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,401 (2026 est.). At $99,936, the local median is 55.34% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Simi Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Simi Valley School Counselor Pay Compares
Simi Valley median: $99,936/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Simi Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $96,743 | +3.30% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +55.34% more |
School Counselors in Simi Valley, CA earn a median of $99,936 per year (2026 est.), which is 55.34% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.30% above the California state average of $96,743.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Simi Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Simi Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $99,936 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $88,361 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,831
2025 BLS Actual
$97,928
2026 Current Est.
$99,936
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Simi Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,831 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,475 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,113 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,827 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,936 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,984 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Simi Valley metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $86,831 (2019) to $97,928 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,984 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,153 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Simi Valley 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) | $68,499 – $78,146 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,146 – $99,936 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,936 – $127,918 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $127,918 – $154,900 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Simi Valley
Looking more closely at the local job market, Simi Valley's higher-than-average cost of living index of 113.1 impacts the take-home pay of school counselors across various educational settings. Employers, including public school districts and private institutions, contribute to differing salary levels based on their funding structures and budget allowances. The variation in compensation is influenced by factors such as the step-and-lane pay scale tied to experience and education, which contrasts with higher-paying roles in charter schools and specialized positions such as DoDEA schools. To optimize their earnings, school counselors in Simi Valley should explore opportunities for advanced degrees, additional certifications, and participation in extended contracts or stipend positions, such as club advising or leading summer programs, which can significantly enhance financial outcomes.
More salary data for Simi Valley, 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 $97,928 for school counselorsin the Simi Valley 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 Simi Valley 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