Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Derby, KS: $40,204 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,204 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,229 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($56,514) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the school counseling field in Derby, Kansas, the 2026 entry-level school counselor salary is projected to start at around $40,204. While this figure may seem modest compared to the city’s median salary of $56,514, it represents a solid foundation for those beginning their careers. In the first three to five years, counselors can reasonably expect to see their pay increase as they move through entry-level positions, often achieving salaries close to $44,882 as they gain experience. Given Derby’s focus on mental health initiatives post-COVID, now is a promising time for new grads seeking positions, as many districts are looking to expand their counseling staff.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
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 Derby
Entry-level school counselors in Derby, KS typically start between $40,204 and $44,882 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,393 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $56,514 — 12.16% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Kansas of $32,000 represents just 79.59% of the starting school counselor pay ($40,204/year) in Derby. 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 Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $40,204 to $44,882, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, 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 Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby'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 Derby is $47,393 ( 117.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,204, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,597.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,085
2025 BLS Actual
$39,396
2026 Current Est.
$40,204
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,085 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,170 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,859 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,498 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,126 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,551 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,396 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,204 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,028 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,085 in 2019 to $39,396 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,028. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 Derby
Employment opportunities for entry-level school counselors in Derby primarily exist within public school districts, which provide structured pay environments based on experience and education through a step-and-lane structure. New hires can find stability with base salaries that reflect their educational qualifications. To enhance their appeal, candidates should aim for credentials such as a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program and a state counselor certification, which can significantly influence starting pay in Kansas. As schools continue to grapple with rising counselor-to-student ratios—often far above the recommended 1:250—there is a growing demand for fresh talent in the field. This, along with increased funding aimed at addressing mental health needs, suggests a favorable landscape for recent graduates looking to advance their careers and negotiate upward salary growth in their first few years.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Derby in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Derby?
Is school counseling school worth it in Derby?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Derby?
How do I become a school counselor in Kansas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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