School Counselor Jobs in Columbus, OH

Columbus, Ohio$59,150 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About School Counselor Jobs in Columbus

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

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.

Columbus 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 Columbus

Entry Level
$38,675
Median
$59,150
Senior Level
$83,720

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

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

Required Skills

CounselingStudent DevelopmentCrisis InterventionCommunicationCareer Guidance

School Counselor Job Market in Columbus

Columbus, OH is a major regional employment hub for School Counselor professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 906K residents, Columbus balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Technology 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 Columbus

State of OhioCity of ColumbusOhio State UniversityCOTA

Major employers hiring School Counselors in Columbus include State of Ohio, City of Columbus, Ohio State University, COTA. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for School Counselors in Columbus

Living in Columbus as a School Counselor means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,300/month (28% below the national average). Housing costs are manageable for School Counselor salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,000/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

91
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.3K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a School Counselor in Columbus

Columbus 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 Columbus: 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 Ohio

Ohio 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 Columbus is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Columbus'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 Columbus

Columbus's affordable cost of living means your School Counselor salary will stretch further than in major coastal cities. Many professionals relocate here for better quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average School Counselor salary in Columbus, OH?

The average School Counselor salary in Columbus, OH is $59,150 per year. Entry-level School Counselors typically start around $38,675, while experienced professionals can earn $83,720 or more. The national average for School Counselor roles is $65,000.

How many School Counselor jobs are available in Columbus?

Columbus has a strong job market with regular openings for School Counselor professionals. Major employers hiring School Counselors include State of Ohio, City of Columbus, Ohio State University, COTA. The Technology and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Columbus a good city for School Counselors?

Columbus is an excellent choice for School Counselors. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The affordable cost of living means salaries go further than in more expensive markets. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for education professionals.

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

Top skills for School Counselors in Columbus 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 Columbus?

Columbus's cost of living is near the national average (91% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,300/month. Purchasing power in Columbus is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for School Counselors in Columbus?

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

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