School Counselor Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$66,300 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

School Counselor Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$43,350
Median
$66,300
Senior Level
$93,840

School Counselor salaries in Philadelphia are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

CounselingStudent DevelopmentCrisis InterventionCommunicationCareer Guidance

School Counselor Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for School Counselor professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education sectors create robust demand for School Counselor talent. The market for School Counselor positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring School Counselors in Philadelphia

PennTempleDrexelVillanova

Major employers hiring School Counselors in Philadelphia include Penn, Temple, Drexel, Villanova. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for School Counselors in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a School Counselor means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Housing costs are manageable for School Counselor salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a School Counselor in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes.

Best neighborhoods for School Counselors in Philadelphia: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among School Counselor professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for School Counselors

The job outlook for School Counselors in Philadelphia is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Philadelphia's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Counseling, Student Development, Crisis Intervention, Communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average School Counselor salary in Philadelphia, PA?

The average School Counselor salary in Philadelphia, PA is $66,300 per year. Entry-level School Counselors typically start around $43,350, while experienced professionals can earn $93,840 or more. The national average for School Counselor roles is $65,000.

How many School Counselor jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for School Counselor professionals. Major employers hiring School Counselors include Penn, Temple, Drexel, Villanova. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for School Counselors?

Philadelphia is an very good choice for School Counselors. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for education professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for School Counselors in Philadelphia?

Top skills for School Counselors in Philadelphia include Counseling, Student Development, Crisis Intervention, Communication, Career Guidance. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for School Counselors in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for School Counselors in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey.

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