Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Sioux City, IA: $47,625 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Sioux City, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,625 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Sioux City's local price level (BEA RPP 86.5 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,087 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,345) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the school counseling field in Sioux City, IA, the starting school counselor salary is projected to be around $47,625 in 2026. This amount is below the city median annual salary of $56,345, indicating a notable gap that reflects the typical growth trajectory for early-career professionals. Newly hired counselors can expect incremental increases over their first few years, moving from this entry-level pay to potentially earning around $50,705 after achieving some experience. The positive growth rate of 2.05% annually suggests that the market is relatively stable, making Sioux City a viable option for new grads looking to establish their careers in a supportive environment that values educational roles.
Career Earnings Timeline in Sioux City
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 Sioux City
Entry-level school counselors in Sioux City, IA typically start between $47,625 and $50,705 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,053 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,345 — 12.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Iowa of $38,000 represents just 79.79% of the starting school counselor pay ($47,625/year) in Sioux City. 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 Sioux City
- 1Research the Sioux City market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $47,625 to $50,705, 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 Sioux City, 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 Sioux City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Sioux City'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 Sioux City is $36,053 ( 75.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,625, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,678.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,380
2025 BLS Actual
$46,668
2026 Current Est.
$47,625
2019–2027 Growth
+45.6%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Sioux City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,380 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,668 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,625 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,601 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Sioux City, IA grew 39.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,380 in 2019 to $46,668 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,601. New graduates entering the Sioux City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sioux City 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 Sioux City
Examining the local job market reveals that public school districts are the primary employers for new master's-level school counselors, offering structured step-and-lane pay systems that promote salary advancement as counselors gain experience. Charter schools may provide competitive salaries, but they often lack tenure benefits. Additionally, Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools offer exciting opportunities for placements overseas, which often include cost-of-living adjustments. To enhance earning potential, obtaining the appropriate state certification, completing a CACREP-accredited master's program, and passing required exams are crucial. For new counselors, establishing a strong professional identity early on is vital, as high school counselor-to-student ratios present ongoing challenges, with the national average exceeding recommended standards. Kansas education funding increases for mental health services have also spurred hiring, meaning entry-level counselors can anticipate salary growth as they establish their footing in the field during the first few years on the job.
More salary data for Sioux City, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Sioux City in 2026?
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Is school counseling school worth it in Sioux City?
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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 Sioux City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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