Senior School Counselor Salary in Taunton, MA: $119,846 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Taunton, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $119,846/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Taunton's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $110,457 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
Senior school counselors in Taunton, Massachusetts can anticipate lucrative compensation for their expertise, with the 2026 median annual salary projected at $77,320. The top earners, those in the 90th percentile, can achieve remarkable salaries up to $119,846, indicating a substantial payoff for those who have honed their skills over years of experience in the field. This creates a notable experience premium, as the gap between the median and the highest earners is significant. To reach such exceptional pay levels, professionals typically will have developed specializations or garnered leadership roles that enhance their value in the educational setting—all while navigating the unique dynamics of school counseling in Taunton.
About the Taunton Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Taunton
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Taunton earn between $98,970 and $119,846 per year (2026 est.). This $63,007 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Taunton median of $77,320 sits 20.18% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Taunton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $77,320 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,970 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $119,846 | $104,780 |
In Taunton, 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 Taunton
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $77,320 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Taunton employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Taunton command premium compensation, often reaching the $98,970–$119,846 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Taunton 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 Taunton 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 Taunton
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTaunton ranks #25 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $119,846).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Taunton ($119,846) is 1.22% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($118,401).
2019 BLS Actual
$107,709
2025 BLS Actual
$117,439
2026 Current Est.
$119,846
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Taunton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $107,709 | Actual |
| 2020 | $109,749 | Actual |
| 2021 | $110,063 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,444 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,148 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,582 | Actual |
| 2025 | $117,439 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $119,846 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $122,303 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Taunton saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $107,709 in 2019 to $117,439 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 $122,303 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Taunton 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 Taunton
Various factors contribute to senior school counselor pay in MA, particularly at advanced career stages. Specializations such as high school college counseling, mental health and trauma-informed practices, and collaboration with special education programs are increasingly in demand, often leading to higher salaries. Differences in compensation can also arise between K-12 public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions, with those in leadership roles, like lead counselor or district coordinator, typically earning more. Advanced credentials beyond a master's degree, such as state-specific certifications or national board endorsements, can further elevate pay. Additionally, non-salary benefits such as a school district's step-and-lane pay scale, high-cost-of-living premiums, and summer program stipends can significantly enhance overall compensation for experienced school counselors in Taunton, making the profession both rewarding and financially viable.
More salary data for Taunton, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Taunton in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Taunton?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Taunton?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Taunton?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Taunton?
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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 $117,439 for school counselors in the Taunton 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 Taunton 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