School Counselor Salary in Kansas
Based on 3K+ workers in Kansas
Median Annual Salary (KS)
$56,590
$27.21/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-12.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $78K
3K employed in Kansas
School counselors in Kansas earn a median salary of $56,590 per year, with approximately 3,100 professionals working in the state. This school counselor salary in Kansas falls about 13% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations. Salaries typically range from $42,020 for entry-level positions to $77,920 for experienced counselors.
Several factors influence school counselor compensation in Kansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and district funding levels. Rural districts often struggle to compete with urban and suburban schools for talent, which can affect salary offerings. Additional certifications, advanced degrees, and leadership roles within schools can lead to higher earning potential. School district budgets and state education funding also play significant roles in determining what counselors earn across different regions of Kansas.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Kansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,020 |
| 25th percentile | $48,150 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,590 |
| 75th percentile | $67,150 |
| 90th percentile | $77,920 |
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 Kansas 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 Kansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,100 |
| 2023 | $51,220 |
| 2024 | $58,430 |
| 2025 | $56,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,590 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,100 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $51,220 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $58,430 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $56,590 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $56,590 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Kansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,150 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $67,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,920 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Kansas
How other high-demand occupations in Kansas compare to School Counselor ($56,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in KS | $64,750 | +14.4% | $31.13/hr |
| Librarian in KS | $61,900 | +9.4% | $29.76/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in KS | $60,580 | +7.1% | $29.13/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in KS | $59,920 | +5.9% | $28.81/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in KS | $56,670 | +0.1% | $27.25/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in KS | $56,450 | -0.2% | $27.14/hr |
| Tutor in KS | $41,290 | -27.0% | $19.85/hr |
| Social Worker in KS | $56,330 | -0.5% | $27.08/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in KS | $56,150 | -0.8% | $27.00/hr |
| Paralegal in KS | $55,000 | -2.8% | $26.44/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in KS | $58,510 | +3.4% | $28.13/hr |
| Title Examiner in KS | $54,640 | -3.4% | $26.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Kansas?
- School counselors in Kansas earn a median salary of $56,590 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 Kansas?
- School counselor salaries in Kansas range from $42,020 at the lower end to $77,920 at the upper end, depending on experience, education, and location within the state.
Is the school counselor salary in Kansas competitive?
- The median school counselor salary in Kansas at $56,590 annually is 12.9% lower than the national average, making it less competitive than many other states for this position.
How many school counselors work in Kansas?
- There are approximately 3,100 school counselors currently employed in Kansas.