School Counselor Salary in Michigan
Based on 9K+ workers in Michigan
Median Annual Salary (MI)
$59,440
$28.58/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-8.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $89K
9K employed in Michigan
School Counselor salary in Michigan averages $59,440 annually, with approximately 9,170 professionals currently employed in the state. This figure falls about 8% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. Michigan's school counselors earn between $42,380 and $89,280 depending on individual circumstances, providing insight into the field's earning potential across the state.
Several factors influence School Counselor salary in Michigan, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district's funding level. Geographic location within the state, school district size, and whether counselors work in public or private institutions also significantly impact compensation. Advanced certifications and specialized training can lead to higher salaries, while rural districts typically offer less than their urban counterparts.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Michigan
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,380 |
| 25th percentile | $47,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,440 |
| 75th percentile | $75,870 |
| 90th percentile | $89,280 |
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 Michigan 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 Michigan vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Michigan) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,340 |
| 2023 | $58,670 |
| 2024 | $63,240 |
| 2025 | $59,440 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,440 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Michigan Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,340 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $58,670 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $63,240 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $59,440 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,440 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Michigan
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,440 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $75,870 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $89,280 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Michigan
How other high-demand occupations in Michigan compare to School Counselor ($59,440 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in MI | $79,290 | +33.4% | $38.12/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MI | $66,030 | +11.1% | $31.75/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in MI | $65,110 | +9.5% | $31.30/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in MI | $63,790 | +7.3% | $30.67/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in MI | $63,300 | +6.5% | $30.43/hr |
| Librarian in MI | $60,010 | +1.0% | $28.85/hr |
| Tutor in MI | $40,350 | -32.1% | $19.40/hr |
| Interior Designer in MI | $59,340 | -0.2% | $28.53/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in MI | $60,350 | +1.5% | $29.01/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in MI | $58,300 | -1.9% | $28.03/hr |
| Social Worker in MI | $60,830 | +2.3% | $29.25/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in MI | $57,880 | -2.6% | $27.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Michigan?
- School counselors in Michigan earn a median salary of $59,440 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is 8.5% below the national average for the same position.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Michigan?
- School counselor salaries in Michigan range from $42,380 at the lower end to $89,280 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience, location, and education level.
How many school counselors are employed in Michigan?
- There are approximately 9,170 school counselors currently employed in Michigan, making it a substantial workforce in the state's education system.
Is the school counselor salary in Michigan below average?
- Yes, Michigan's median school counselor salary of $59,440 is 8.5% lower than the national average, so the state pays somewhat less than the typical U.S. compensation for this role.