School Counselor Salary in Iowa
Based on 4K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$56,540
$27.18/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-12.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $77K
4K employed in Iowa
School counselors in Iowa earn a median salary of $56,540 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 3,690 counselors employed throughout the state, this represents a significant portion of Iowa's education workforce. However, the school counselor salary in Iowa runs about 13% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in education funding and cost of living.
Several factors influence compensation for school counselors in Iowa, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district's budget. Rural versus urban school locations can also create salary variations, as can additional responsibilities such as administrative duties or specialized certifications. Understanding these variables helps both employers and professionals navigate the salary range of $43,470 to $77,110 that currently exists in the state.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,470 |
| 25th percentile | $48,310 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,540 |
| 75th percentile | $65,820 |
| 90th percentile | $77,110 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $54,610 |
| 2023 | $53,470 |
| 2024 | $55,910 |
| 2025 | $56,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,177 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $54,610 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $53,470 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $55,910 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $56,540 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,177 | $65,669 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,310 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,110 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to School Counselor ($56,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in IA | $74,970 | +32.6% | $36.04/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in IA | $61,200 | +8.2% | $29.42/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in IA | $60,580 | +7.1% | $29.13/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in IA | $60,450 | +6.9% | $29.06/hr |
| Librarian in IA | $58,440 | +3.4% | $28.10/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IA | $58,420 | +3.3% | $28.09/hr |
| Tutor in IA | $35,670 | -36.9% | $17.15/hr |
| Editor in IA | $57,200 | +1.2% | $27.50/hr |
| Firefighter in IA | $55,810 | -1.3% | $26.83/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in IA | $57,980 | +2.5% | $27.88/hr |
| Interior Designer in IA | $58,040 | +2.7% | $27.90/hr |
| Truck Driver in IA | $58,070 | +2.7% | $27.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Iowa?
- School counselors in Iowa earn a median salary of $56,540 per year, or approximately $27 per hour. This is 12.9% below the national average for the position.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Iowa?
- School counselor salaries in Iowa range from a low of $43,470 to a high of $77,110 per year, depending on experience, location, and school district.
How many school counselors are employed in Iowa?
- There are approximately 3,690 school counselors currently employed in Iowa.
Is Iowa's school counselor salary below the national average?
- Yes, Iowa's median school counselor salary of $56,540 is about 12.9% lower than the national average, making it a below-average paying state for this profession.