School counsellor salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index

What is a school counsellor salary?

A school counsellor salary in Australia depends on the state, employer, and the counsellor’s qualifications and experience. The most detailed public pay information comes from the NSW public school system, where school counsellors are employed under the Crown Employees (Teachers in Schools and Related Employees) Salaries and Conditions Award 2024. This award sets out five classification levels (SC1 to SC5) plus an Advanced Certification level, each with a specific salary that increases by 3% each October from 2024 to 2026.

To understand where these salaries sit against the broader Australian workforce, we use the Salary Index. The index sets 100 as the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings, which from May 2026 is $108,352 per year (based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings of $2,083.70 per week). A figure above 100 means the role pays more than the national average; below 100 means less.

School counsellor salary in NSW public schools

The award provides the following annual salaries for school counsellors from the first pay period on or after 9 October 2026:

• SC1 – $104,156 (index ~96.1)
• SC2 – $108,421 (index ~100.1)
• SC3 – $115,972 (index ~107.0)
• SC4 – $124,696 (index ~115.1)
• SC5 – $153,531 (index ~141.7)
• Advanced Certification – $165,812 (index ~153.0)

These rates apply to school counsellors employed by the NSW Department of Education. The classification depends on registration with the Psychology Board and accreditation against the Professional Practice Framework. For example, SC1 requires eligibility for registration, while Advanced Certification requires full registration, proficient accreditation, and advanced certification.

Compared to the national line, most school counsellors in NSW are paid at or above the average. Even the entry-level SC1 sits just below the national average, while experienced counsellors at SC5 and Advanced Certification earn well above it. For context, the Education and Training industry index is 105.5, so school counsellors at SC3 and above exceed their industry average.

How school counsellor pay compares to other counsellors

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that the broader occupation of Counsellors (ANZSCO 2721) has a median full-time weekly earnings of $1,477, which annualises to about $76,804. That gives an index of roughly 70.9 – well below the national average and significantly lower than NSW public school counsellor salaries. This difference highlights that school counsellors in the public system are paid under a specific award that recognises their teaching and psychology qualifications, whereas the broader counsellor category includes roles in private practice, community services, and other settings with potentially lower pay.

State and industry context

School counsellor pay is not uniform across Australia. The award we have is for NSW; other states have their own industrial instruments. For example, the states page shows that NSW has an index of 101.2 (annualised $109,658), while Victoria is 98.0 and Queensland 97.9. A school counsellor in NSW at SC2 ($108,421) is close to the state average, while at SC5 ($153,531) they are well above. In contrast, the Health Care and Social Assistance industry index is 97.8, so school counsellors in that industry (if not under the education award) might earn closer to the median counsellor figure.

Tax and super considerations

Salaries quoted are base rates before tax and before superannuation. From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%, so total remuneration including super is higher. For example, an SC2 school counsellor on $108,421 would have an additional $13,010 in super, making a total package of $121,431. After tax (using 2026–27 rates with the tax-free threshold and 2% Medicare levy), the take-home pay on $108,421 would be approximately $83,000 per year, or about $1,596 per week. Higher classifications will take home more but also face the 37% marginal rate above $135,000.

How the salary index works

The how the index works page explains that the index is a simple ratio: annual gross salary divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. So a school counsellor on $124,696 (SC4) has an index of 115.1, meaning they earn 15.1% more than the average full-time worker. This tool helps compare roles across industries and states without needing to remember exact dollar figures.

Key takeaways

• NSW public school counsellors earn from $104,156 to $165,812 per year (2026 rates), placing them from just below to well above the national index of 100.
• The broader counsellor median is much lower, around $76,804 (index 71).
• Pay depends on registration level, experience, and state award.
• Superannuation of 12% adds significantly to total remuneration.

For more detailed pay information across different roles, see the pay guides and topics sections.