School Counselor Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh, North Carolina$65,650 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About School Counselor Jobs in Raleigh

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

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.

Raleigh 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 Raleigh

Entry Level
$42,925
Median
$65,650
Senior Level
$92,920

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

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

Required Skills

CounselingStudent DevelopmentCrisis InterventionCommunicationCareer Guidance

School Counselor Job Market in Raleigh

Raleigh, NC is a major regional employment hub for School Counselor professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Raleigh offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Technology and Biotechnology 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 Raleigh

NC StateDukeUNCWake Tech

Major employers hiring School Counselors in Raleigh include NC State, Duke, UNC, Wake Tech. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for School Counselors in Raleigh

Living in Raleigh 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 $1,500/month (17% below the national average). Housing costs are manageable for School Counselor salaries in the area.

101
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.5K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a School Counselor in Raleigh

Raleigh 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 Raleigh: 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 North Carolina

North Carolina 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 Raleigh is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Raleigh'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 Raleigh, NC?

The average School Counselor salary in Raleigh, NC is $65,650 per year. Entry-level School Counselors typically start around $42,925, while experienced professionals can earn $92,920 or more. The national average for School Counselor roles is $65,000.

How many School Counselor jobs are available in Raleigh?

Raleigh has a strong job market with regular openings for School Counselor professionals. Major employers hiring School Counselors include NC State, Duke, UNC, Wake Tech. The Technology and Biotechnology sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Raleigh a good city for School Counselors?

Raleigh is an excellent 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 technology industry creates strong demand for education professionals.

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

Top skills for School Counselors in Raleigh 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 Raleigh?

Raleigh's cost of living is near the national average (101% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,500/month. Purchasing power in Raleigh is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for School Counselors in Raleigh?

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

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