School Counselor Salary in Illinois
Based on 14K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$62,420
$30.01/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-3.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $111K
14K employed in Illinois
The median school counselor salary in Illinois is $62,420 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 13,580 school counselors employed across the state, this represents a significant portion of Illinois's education workforce. However, this median falls about 4% below the national average, reflecting regional salary variations in the education sector.
Several factors influence school counselor salary in Illinois, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district. Urban districts with larger budgets often offer higher compensation packages compared to rural areas. Additionally, advanced degrees, certifications, and specialized training can impact earning potential, as can the individual school's funding level and local cost of living considerations.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,890 |
| 25th percentile | $49,720 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,420 |
| 75th percentile | $82,890 |
| 90th percentile | $110,580 |
Top-Paying Industries for School Counselor (U.S.)
Which industries pay School Counselors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). School Counselors in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Services | $66,180 | 319K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,160 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $62,640 | 90 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $58,570 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $56,030 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — School Counselor in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $52,340 |
| 2023 | $59,970 |
| 2024 | $61,210 |
| 2025 | $62,420 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,654 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $52,340 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $59,970 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $61,210 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $62,420 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $63,654 | $66,221 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,720 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,420 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $82,890 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $110,580 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to School Counselor ($62,420 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in IL | $79,990 | +28.1% | $38.46/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IL | $76,110 | +21.9% | $36.59/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in IL | $76,050 | +21.8% | $36.56/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in IL | $75,320 | +20.7% | $36.21/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IL | $64,020 | +2.6% | $30.78/hr |
| Librarian in IL | $62,700 | +0.4% | $30.14/hr |
| Tutor in IL | $44,230 | -29.1% | $21.26/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IL | $62,540 | +0.2% | $30.07/hr |
| Graphic Designer in IL | $62,560 | +0.2% | $30.08/hr |
| Paralegal in IL | $63,670 | +2.0% | $30.61/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IL | $60,740 | -2.7% | $29.20/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in IL | $60,730 | -2.7% | $29.20/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Illinois?
- School counselors in Illinois earn a median salary of $62,420 per year, or approximately $30 per hour. This is about 3.9% lower than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Illinois?
- School counselor salaries in Illinois range from $44,890 at the lower end to $110,580 at the upper end, reflecting differences in experience, location, and school district funding.
How many school counselors are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 13,580 school counselors currently employed in Illinois, representing a significant workforce in the state's education system.
Is the school counselor salary in Illinois above or below the national average?
- Illinois school counselor salaries are 3.9% below the national average, with the median earning $62,420 compared to higher averages in other states.