School Counselor Salary in Missouri
Based on 9K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$58,040
$27.90/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-10.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $79K
9K employed in Missouri
Understanding the School Counselor salary in Missouri reveals a median annual income of $58,040. This figure falls 11% below the national average, with actual salaries ranging from $41,890 to $78,740. This data provides a foundational understanding for those considering this impactful career path within the state's education system, which employs approximately 8,890 professionals in this role.
Several factors can influence a School Counselor salary in Missouri. Experience level, specific school district funding and location within the state, and whether the role is within a K-12 setting or a higher education institution all play a significant part. Additional responsibilities, specialized certifications, or advanced degrees may also contribute to a higher earning potential within the established salary range.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $41,890 |
| 25th percentile | $47,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,040 |
| 75th percentile | $65,150 |
| 90th percentile | $78,740 |
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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,700 |
| 2023 | $49,460 |
| 2024 | $53,790 |
| 2025 | $58,040 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,522 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,700 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $49,460 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $53,790 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $58,040 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,522 | $68,833 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,040 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,150 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,740 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to School Counselor ($58,040 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in MO | $72,080 | +24.2% | $34.65/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in MO | $59,310 | +2.2% | $28.51/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MO | $59,240 | +2.1% | $28.48/hr |
| Librarian in MO | $58,700 | +1.1% | $28.22/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in MO | $56,590 | -2.5% | $27.21/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in MO | $50,910 | -12.3% | $24.48/hr |
| Tutor in MO | $43,090 | -25.8% | $20.72/hr |
| Writer and Author in MO | $58,140 | +0.2% | $27.95/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in MO | $58,670 | +1.1% | $28.21/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in MO | $58,990 | +1.6% | $28.36/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in MO | $56,910 | -1.9% | $27.36/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MO | $56,750 | -2.2% | $27.28/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a school counselor make in Missouri?
- The median annual salary for school counselors in Missouri is $58,040, which translates to about $28 per hour. This median figure falls below the national average by 10.6%.
What is the typical salary range for a school counselor in Missouri?
- In Missouri, school counselors can expect their salaries to range from $41,890 on the lower end to $78,740 for those in higher-paying positions. The median salary sits at $58,040 annually.
Is the average salary for school counselors in Missouri lower than the national average?
- Yes, the average salary for school counselors in Missouri is 10.6% lower than the national average. The median salary in Missouri is $58,040 per year.
How many school counselors are employed in Missouri?
- There are approximately 8,890 school counselors employed in Missouri. The median salary for these professionals is $58,040 annually, with a salary range of $41,890 to $78,740.