School Counselor.
Virginia Beach.
$61,000
median salary, 2% above the national average
$46,000 to $79,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Here is what School Counselors actually make in Virginia Beach: $46,000 at the 25th percentile, $61,000 at the median, and $79,000 at the 75th. That is 2% above the national average. Virginia Beach anchors the Hampton Roads region with a strong military presence, growing cybersecurity sector, and expanding tech corridor. The number on your offer letter will depend on what you bring and how you ask.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $55,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
to $49,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$52,000
to $64,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$67,000
to $79,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$76,000
to $95,000
Salary trend
+7% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $17,000 to the total package.
Base
$61,000
Equity
$10,000
Bonus
$6,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $78,000
How Virginia Beach compares
Virginia Beach, VA
$61,000
Cost of living: 2% below average
National Average
$60,000
Virginia Beach is $1,000 above
School Counselor salary by city
Salary by role in Virginia Beach
What you should know
Before you negotiate a School Counselor offer in Virginia Beach, understand the terrain. Virginia Beach anchors the Hampton Roads region with a strong military presence, growing cybersecurity sector, and expanding tech corridor. Naval Station Norfolk drives significant defense contractor employment. The lower cost of living compared to Northern Virginia attracts remote workers and military-to-civilian transitions. State licensure requirements, school level assignment, and district funding levels drive pay variance. Counselors in well-funded suburban districts or states with mandated counselor-to-student ratios earn significantly more. Advanced certifications in college counseling or trauma-informed care add salary value.
Entry-level School Counselors earn $46,000 to $52,000. Experienced counselors with five to ten years reach $58,000 to $70,000. Lead Counselors and Department Heads earn $72,000 to $85,000, while Directors of School Counseling and Student Services command $88,000 to $110,000. In Virginia Beach, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. School counselors typically work 10 to 11 months, with optional summer employment adding $3,000 to $6,000. Pension benefits and comprehensive health insurance add $15,000 to $25,000 in effective value. Some districts offer tuition reimbursement for doctoral studies. And on the tax side: virginia's flat 5.75% state income tax applies. Virginia Beach has no city income tax. The moderate rate combined with lower housing costs than Northern Virginia creates good take home pay. When someone quotes you $61,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage military transition benefits. Hampton Roads employers value candidates with security clearances and military technical experience. The range for School Counselors in Virginia Beach runs from $46,000 to $79,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Ironworker in Virginia Beach earns $62,000 (2% more)
- The highest-paying role in Virginia Beach is Distinguished Engineer at $336,000
Common questions.
School Counselor salary in other cities
Other salaries in Virginia Beach
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