Senior School Counselor Salary in Billerica, MA: $117,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Billerica, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $117,774/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Billerica's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $108,547 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected 2026 median annual salary of $75,983, experienced school counselors in Billerica, Massachusetts, have the potential to earn significantly more, particularly at the top percentile where salaries can reach as high as $117,774. This exceptional earning potential reflects a pronounced experience premium in the sector—the gap between the median and top earners illustrates the rewards for those who have honed their expertise over years of dedicated service. Such pay levels surpass the national top school counselor salary by a noteworthy margin, emphasizing the demand for seasoned professionals in a market where skills and experience translate to compensation. Achieving these upper-tier salaries often requires not only extensive experience but also specialization in in-demand areas and a proven track record of effective counseling practices.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billerica
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Billerica earn between $97,259 and $117,774 per year (2026 est.). This $66,006 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billerica median of $75,983 sits 18.11% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Billerica | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $75,983 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,259 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $117,774 | $104,780 |
In Billerica, experienced school counselors (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top School Counselor Pay in Billerica
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $75,983 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billerica employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Billerica command premium compensation, often reaching the $97,259–$117,774 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billerica metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced school counselors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured school counselors in Billerica with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
School Counselors in Massachusetts who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
School Counselor Career & Wage Growth Path in Billerica
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillerica ranks #39 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $117,774).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Billerica ($117,774) is 0.53% below the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$105,847
2025 BLS Actual
$115,408
2026 Current Est.
$117,774
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,847 | Actual |
| 2020 | $107,851 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,534 | Actual |
| 2023 | $110,209 | Actual |
| 2024 | $130,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $115,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,188 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Billerica saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $105,847 in 2019 to $115,408 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.05% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $120,188 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billerica 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.
Maximizing Your School Counselor Earnings in Billerica
Specializations such as high school college counseling, trauma-informed counseling, and collaboration in special education are among the key drivers of elevated compensation for senior school counselors in Billerica. Those who take on leadership roles, like district counseling coordinators or deans of students, often find their paths to advancement yielding higher pay within the K-12 public school system or private institutions. District type can influence salary as well; for example, counselors in charter schools or DoDEA schools might see variations in compensation frameworks. Additionally, advanced credentials such as a state's school counselor certification and a Master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program are valued and can enhance salary prospects. Benefits like a step-and-lane pay structure, which ties compensation to years of experience and educational attainment, further complement the financial picture at senior levels, especially within the competitive framework of a post-COVID educational environment focused on mental health.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Billerica in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Billerica?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Billerica?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Billerica?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Billerica?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $115,408 for school counselors in the Billerica metro area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Billerica 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