School Counselor Salary in Kentucky
Based on 5K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$64,350
$30.94/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-0.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$41K – $99K
5K employed in Kentucky
School counselors in Kentucky earn a median salary of $64,350 per year, with approximately 5,030 professionals currently employed in the state. This figure sits slightly below the national average by 1 percent, though salaries in the field range considerably from $40,840 to $99,390 annually. Understanding the school counselor salary in Kentucky provides insight into compensation trends for this important education profession.
Several factors influence school counselor salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific district or school type. Counselors working in well-funded suburban or urban districts typically earn more than those in rural areas. Additionally, advanced degrees, specialized certifications, and years of service within a district often correlate with higher compensation levels, allowing experienced professionals to reach the upper end of the salary range.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,840 |
| 25th percentile | $49,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,350 |
| 75th percentile | $78,580 |
| 90th percentile | $99,390 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,750 |
| 2023 | $58,490 |
| 2024 | $64,390 |
| 2025 | $64,350 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,350 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,750 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $58,490 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $64,390 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $64,350 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,350 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,350 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,580 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $99,390 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to School Counselor ($64,350 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian in KY | $65,200 | +1.3% | $31.35/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in KY | $63,640 | -1.1% | $30.60/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in KY | $61,560 | -4.3% | $29.60/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in KY | $61,120 | -5.0% | $29.38/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in KY | $60,610 | -5.8% | $29.14/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in KY | $60,280 | -6.3% | $28.98/hr |
| Tutor in KY | $39,990 | -37.9% | $19.23/hr |
| Plumber in KY | $64,160 | -0.3% | $30.85/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in KY | $65,000 | +1.0% | $31.25/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in KY | $65,240 | +1.4% | $31.37/hr |
| Tax Examiner in KY | $65,690 | +2.1% | $31.58/hr |
| Loan Officer in KY | $62,090 | -3.5% | $29.85/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Kentucky?
- School counselors in Kentucky earn a median salary of $64,350 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.9%, making it a competitive salary for the education sector in the state.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Kentucky?
- School counselor salaries in Kentucky range from $40,840 at the lower end to $99,390 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education level, and school district location throughout the state.
How many school counselors are employed in Kentucky?
- There are currently 5,030 school counselors employed in Kentucky. This represents a substantial workforce dedicated to student support and college/career guidance across the state's schools.
Is the school counselor salary in Kentucky above or below national average?
- Kentucky's median school counselor salary of $64,350 is 0.9% below the national average. Despite being slightly lower than the national figure, it remains a reasonable salary for educators in the state.