Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Moline, IL: $41,394 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,394 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,630 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,382) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the school counseling profession in Moline, Illinois, can anticipate a starting salary of around $41,394 per year. This initial figure falls below the 2026 median annual salary of $58,382 for school counselors in the area, indicating a significant gap for those just beginning their careers. However, as new counselors gain experience and demonstrate their value, they can realistically expect their salaries to increase as they reach milestones such as the 25th percentile at approximately $46,445 and eventually the median. In this context, Moline presents a favorable job market for entry-level school counselors, particularly given the projected growth rate of 2.05% annually, which suggests continued demand for these essential roles in schools.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Entry-level school counselors in Moline, IL typically start between $41,394 and $46,445 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,694 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,382 — 9.25% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Illinois of $60,000 represents just 144.95% of the starting school counselor pay ($41,394/year) in Moline. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CACREP-accredited master's programs in school counseling. In-state public institutions are the lowest-cost option; private universities carry higher tuition. Totals reflect tuition and required fees; practicum and internship hours are typically unpaid and add opportunity cost. State licensure requirements may mandate additional coursework.
SC, LSC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $41,394 to $46,445, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the school counseling field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
School Counselor Compensation Range
The school counselor wage spread in Moline is $48,694 ( 117.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,394, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,088.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,976
2025 BLS Actual
$40,562
2026 Current Est.
$41,394
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,976 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,093 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,832 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,489 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,562 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,394 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,242 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,976 in 2019 to $40,562 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,242. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.05% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your school counseling Career in Moline
Employers in Moline that actively recruit new graduates generally include public school districts, which typically adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure aligned with educational qualifications. These districts often provide competitive starting salaries but may impose factors like tenure. Charter schools in the region may offer slightly higher initial compensation, albeit without the stability of step increases based on longevity. Moreover, Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools provide unique opportunities for placements overseas with cost-of-living adjustments that can make positions even more appealing. To maximize starting pay, new graduates should focus on obtaining a Master's degree in school counseling from accredited programs such as CACREP, as well as securing state certification which includes passing relevant exams. Engaging in continuous education and seeking additional credentials like the certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) can significantly enhance a counselor's marketability. Given the high student-to-counselor ratios, which currently stand at about 1:385 versus the recommended 1:250, mental health initiatives post-COVID have strengthened hiring practices in many districts, creating a buoyant environment for career advancement that can lead to realistic salary growth in the early years of professional experience.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Moline in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Moline?
Is school counseling school worth it in Moline?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Moline?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new school counseling graduates. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.05%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for school counselors (SOC 21-1012).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov