School Counselor Salary in Minnesota
Based on 4K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$64,600
$31.06/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-0.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $94K
4K employed in Minnesota
School counselors in Minnesota earn a median salary of $64,600 per year, with approximately 4,200 professionals currently employed in the state. This figure falls just 1% below the national average, positioning Minnesota competitively within the education sector. Salaries across the state range from $47,870 to $94,100 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
School counselor salary in Minnesota is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, district funding levels, and specific school location within the state. Advanced certifications and master's degrees often correlate with higher compensation, as do positions in well-funded suburban or metropolitan districts. Additionally, the size of the school district and regional cost of living adjustments play important roles in determining where counselors fall within the overall salary range.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,870 |
| 25th percentile | $57,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,600 |
| 75th percentile | $78,100 |
| 90th percentile | $94,100 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,400 |
| 2023 | $60,660 |
| 2024 | $63,230 |
| 2025 | $64,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,000 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,400 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $60,660 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $63,230 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $64,600 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,000 | $66,344 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $94,100 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to School Counselor ($64,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in MN | $80,550 | +24.7% | $38.73/hr |
| Librarian in MN | $77,650 | +20.2% | $37.33/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MN | $76,460 | +18.4% | $36.76/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in MN | $76,350 | +18.2% | $36.71/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in MN | $75,500 | +16.9% | $36.30/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in MN | $62,640 | -3.0% | $30.12/hr |
| Tutor in MN | $45,660 | -29.3% | $21.95/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in MN | $64,890 | +0.4% | $31.20/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in MN | $64,990 | +0.6% | $31.25/hr |
| Dental Assistant in MN | $65,270 | +1.0% | $31.38/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MN | $63,860 | -1.1% | $30.70/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in MN | $63,750 | -1.3% | $30.65/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Minnesota?
- School counselors in Minnesota earn a median salary of $64,600 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This is slightly below the national average at -0.5%, making Minnesota's compensation comparable to the rest of the country.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Minnesota?
- School counselor salaries in Minnesota range from $47,870 at the lower end to $94,100 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location within the state, and individual school district budgets.
Is the school counselor salary in Minnesota above or below the national average?
- Minnesota's school counselor median salary of $64,600 is slightly below the national average by 0.5%. While the difference is minimal, this indicates Minnesota salaries are nearly aligned with national compensation levels.
How many school counselors are employed in Minnesota?
- There are approximately 4,200 school counselors employed in Minnesota. This represents a substantial workforce serving the state's K-12 student population.