Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Lawrence, KS: $49,554 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Lawrence, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,554 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lawrence's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,912 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,855) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Lawrence, Kansas, offers new graduates entering the school counseling profession a realistic starting salary of $49,554, which reflects the lower end of the salary range for 2026. This figure is slightly below the city median annual salary of $50,855, suggesting that entry-level positions might initially provide modest financial rewards compared to more seasoned roles in the field. However, ambitious new counselors should anticipate a growth trajectory as they gain experience, potentially moving from the entry-level pay toward the median and beyond within their first 3-5 years. Given the expanding need for school counselors due to initiatives addressing post-COVID mental health challenges, Lawrence presents itself as a favorable market for new graduates seeking their first roles in this vital educational sector.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lawrence
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 Lawrence
Entry-level school counselors in Lawrence, KS typically start between $49,554 and $50,855 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,003 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,855 — 20.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Kansas of $32,000 represents just 64.58% of the starting school counselor pay ($49,554/year) in Lawrence. 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 Lawrence
- 1Research the Lawrence market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $49,554 to $50,855, 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 Lawrence, 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 Lawrence for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lawrence'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 Lawrence is $33,003 ( 66.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,554, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,557.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,340
2025 BLS Actual
$48,559
2026 Current Est.
$49,554
2019–2027 Growth
+51.7%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,750 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,930 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,080 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,650 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,559 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,554 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,570 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Lawrence, KS grew 45.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,340 in 2019 to $48,559 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,570. New graduates entering the Lawrence job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
To boost their starting school counselor salary in Lawrence, new professionals should consider a few strategic avenues. Local public school districts typically hire the majority of new graduates, offering structured pay increases as counselors advance through K-12 step-and-lane placements. Some charter schools may provide competitive offers but without the tenure benefits traditional districts offer. Obtaining credentials such as a master’s degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program and achieving state certification can significantly enhance earning potential. The push for improved counselor-to-student ratios makes this an ideal time to enter the field, with the American School Counselor Association's recommendation of 1:250 being commonly referenced in discussions about staffing needs. Realistically, fresh graduates can expect a modest increase in pay over their first few years, aligning with the state's emphasis on school counselor hiring as a response to mental health funding initiatives.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
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 Lawrence. 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