School Counselor Jobs in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento, California$76,050 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About School Counselor Jobs in Sacramento

Looking for a School Counselor job in Sacramento? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a School Counselor in Sacramento, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Sacramento has a strong job market for School Counselors. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

School Counselor Salary in Sacramento

Entry Level
$49,725
Median
$76,050
Senior Level
$107,640

School Counselor salaries in Sacramento are 17% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

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

Required Skills

CounselingStudent DevelopmentCrisis InterventionCommunicationCareer Guidance

School Counselor Job Market in Sacramento

Sacramento, CA is a major regional employment hub for School Counselor professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 525K residents, Sacramento balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Government and Healthcare 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 Sacramento

State of CaliforniaCity of SacramentoSacRTSMUD

Major employers hiring School Counselors in Sacramento include State of California, City of Sacramento, SacRT, SMUD. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for School Counselors in Sacramento

Living in Sacramento as a School Counselor means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 117% of baseline. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/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.

117
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a School Counselor in Sacramento

Sacramento Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for School Counselors in Sacramento: 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 California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A School Counselor earning $76,050 might pay approximately $6,084 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for School Counselors

The job outlook for School Counselors in Sacramento is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Sacramento'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.

Relocating to Sacramento

California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average School Counselor salary in Sacramento, CA?

The average School Counselor salary in Sacramento, CA is $76,050 per year. Entry-level School Counselors typically start around $49,725, while experienced professionals can earn $107,640 or more. The national average for School Counselor roles is $65,000.

How many School Counselor jobs are available in Sacramento?

Sacramento has a strong job market with regular openings for School Counselor professionals. Major employers hiring School Counselors include State of California, City of Sacramento, SacRT, SMUD. The Government and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Sacramento a good city for School Counselors?

Sacramento 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 government industry creates strong demand for education professionals.

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

Top skills for School Counselors in Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

Sacramento's cost of living is above the national average (117% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Sacramento is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for School Counselors in Sacramento?

Sacramento Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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