Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Leawood, KS: $41,548 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Leawood, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,548 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Leawood's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,707 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,150) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates stepping into school counseling in Leawood, Kansas, can expect starting salaries that typically range around $41,548. This initial pay may feel modest compared to the overall median salary for school counselors in the city, which stands at $55,150. However, early career counselors should be encouraged by the growth trajectory as they gain experience, moving from the starting salary up through the 25th percentile at $44,282 and eventually reaching the median over their first three to five years. With an estimated growth rate of 2.05% annually, the market in Leawood reflects a positive environment for new grads to enter, particularly as schools are increasingly looking to hire counselors to address student mental health needs.
About the Leawood Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Leawood
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 Leawood
Entry-level school counselors in Leawood, KS typically start between $41,548 and $44,282 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,934 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,150 — 14.28% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Kansas of $32,000 represents just 77.02% of the starting school counselor pay ($41,548/year) in Leawood. 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 Leawood
- 1Research the Leawood market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $41,548 to $44,282, 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 Leawood, 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 Leawood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Leawood'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 Leawood is $43,934 ( 105.74%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,548, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,482.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,091
2025 BLS Actual
$40,713
2026 Current Est.
$41,548
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Leawood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,091 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,212 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,958 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,618 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,871 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,713 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,548 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,399 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Leawood, KS grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,091 in 2019 to $40,713 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,399. New graduates entering the Leawood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Leawood 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 Leawood
In Leawood, most entry-level positions are available through public school districts, which traditionally provide step-and-lane salary structures aligned with educational qualifications. New master's-level counselors typically enter the school system with a competitive placement based on their education; charter schools may offer higher starting salaries but often lack tenure benefits. To enhance their earning potential, new counselors should focus on credentials such as a Master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program and state certification, along with necessary test scores like the Praxis exam. Seeking additional certifications, such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), can further improve salary prospects. Given the high school counselor-to-student ratios, which exceed the ideal recommendation, those pursuing this career path can expect more opportunities for growth and salary advancement as districts prioritize increased hiring to support students' mental health in a post-COVID environment.
More salary data for Leawood, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Leawood in 2026?
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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 Leawood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Leawood 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