School Counselor Salary in Fall River, MA: $77,457 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Fall River, MA earns a median $77,457/year (≈ $37.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Fall River's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $71,389 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fall River, Massachusetts, school counselors can expect a median annual salary of $77,457 in 2026, significantly above the national figure of $64,335. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $57,157 at the 10th percentile to $120,059 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the compensation adjustments based on local economic conditions and cost-of-living factors. These projections are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. The district's step-and-lane pay scale further influences earnings, where placement significantly depends on the level of education attained, whether it's a master's degree or further academic qualifications such as a master's plus 30 credits or a doctorate. For those considering a career in school counseling, Fall River's job market indicates promising compensation opportunities for dedicated professionals.
About the Fall River Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,157 | $27.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,424 | $30.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,457 | $37.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,145 | $47.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,059 | $57.72 |
Median Salary Position
20.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fall River
In Fall River, MA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,902 (2026 est.). At $77,457, the local median is 20.4% above the national median of $64,335.
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At 40 hours/week in Fall River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fall River School Counselor Pay Compares
Fall River median: $77,457/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fall River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $78,477 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +20.40% more |
School Counselors in Fall River, MA earn a median of $77,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.40% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,477.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fall River has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fall River, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,457 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $71,389 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,300
2025 BLS Actual
$75,901
2026 Current Est.
$77,457
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,574 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,394 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,957 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,688 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,901 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,457 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,045 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fall River metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $67,300 (2019) to $75,901 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,045 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,745 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fall River 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) | $57,157 – $63,424 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,424 – $77,457 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,457 – $99,145 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,145 – $120,059 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Fall River
The local job market in Fall River is home to 21 school counselors, highlighting a relatively stable profession in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 108.5, it reflects the local economic reality that can impact take-home purchasing power. Among various employers, K-12 public school districts are generally known to provide competitive salaries, particularly for those in step-and-lane systems that reward experience and education. Variances in school counselor pay in Fall River can arise from several factors, including the level of education, years of service, and additional responsibilities like overseeing summer programs or serving as department heads. To maximize earning potential, aspiring school counselors should consider obtaining advanced degrees and actively seek roles with extended contracts. Career advancement opportunities also exist through stipends and leadership positions, which can enhance overall compensation in this vibrant community.
More salary data for Fall River, MA:
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 $75,901 for school counselorsin the Fall River 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 Fall River 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