Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Faribault, MN: $43,587 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,587 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,251 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,028) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduates entering the school counseling field in Faribault, MN, in 2026 can expect a starting school counselor salary around $43,587. This entry-level pay reflects a significant gap from the median annual salary of $61,028 for school counselors in the city. Early-career professionals can anticipate gradual increases in salary as they gain experience, moving from the entry-level pay toward the 25th percentile mark of $48,351 within a few years. The growth trajectory suggests that with dedication and skill development, new graduates will find opportunities to advance in this relatively stable job market, particularly in light of ongoing demand for school counselors as districts respond to increased mental health needs.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level school counselors in Faribault, MN typically start between $43,587 and $48,351 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,006 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,028 — 5.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Minnesota of $48,000 represents just 110.12% of the starting school counselor pay ($43,587/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $43,587 to $48,351, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault's moderate 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 Faribault is $51,006 ( 117.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,587, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,593.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,617
2025 BLS Actual
$42,711
2026 Current Est.
$43,587
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,617 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,793 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,624 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,081 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,383 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,711 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,587 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,480 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,617 in 2019 to $42,711 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,480. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
In Faribault, newly minted counselors typically find employment in local public school districts, which primarily hire graduates with a master’s degree from CACREP-accredited programs. These districts offer a step-and-lane pay structure that aligns salary increases with experience and education level. While charter schools may present higher starting salaries, they often lack the same security and progression opportunities. New graduates should focus on obtaining state certification, which requires passing the necessary exams and completing a significant number of supervised internship hours. As funding for mental health resources expands following COVID-19, school districts are likely to continue hiring additional counselors, promising a favorable job market. During the first few years, counselors can realistically expect modest growth in their salaries as they establish themselves in their roles, navigating the complexities of meeting high counselor-to-student ratios that persist within the field.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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