Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Burlington, IA: $40,291 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,291 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,570 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($54,592) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the school counseling field in Burlington, IA can expect a starting salary around $40,291, which reflects the P10 percentile of the salary range for this position. While this figure is lower than the median annual salary of $54,592 for school counselors in the area, it is not uncommon for entry-level roles. Over the first few years, many counselors can anticipate incremental pay increases, moving from the P10 to the P25 salary range of $44,371 within two to three years. The growth trajectory in Burlington indicates a favorable environment for newcomers, particularly given the expanding demand for school counselors spurred by recent mental health funding increases post-COVID, making this an appealing market for new grad school counselor pay in IA.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
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 Burlington
Entry-level school counselors in Burlington, IA typically start between $40,291 and $44,371 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,601 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $54,592 — 15.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Iowa of $38,000 represents just 94.31% of the starting school counselor pay ($40,291/year) in Burlington. 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 Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $40,291 to $44,371, 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 IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, 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 Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average 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 Burlington is $43,601 ( 108.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,291, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,892.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,151
2025 BLS Actual
$39,482
2026 Current Est.
$40,291
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,151 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,931 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,202 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,955 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,482 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,291 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,117 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,151 in 2019 to $39,482 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,117. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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 Burlington
In Burlington, most employment opportunities for novice counselors are found in public school districts, which predominantly utilize a step-and-lane pay structure that aligns salaries with education and experience. While charter schools may present a slightly higher base salary, they often lack tenure benefits, making public schools the most stable option for new graduates. Aspiring school counselors should hold a Master’s degree in counseling from a CACREP-accredited program and obtain a state school counselor certification. Credentials like the National Board Certification can enhance earning potential as well. Considering the high school counselor-to-student ratios—currently averaging 1:385, while the ASCA recommends 1:250—new counselors in their first three years should expect steady salary growth, enhancing their potential within the Burlington job market as educational demands evolve.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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