Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Austintown, OH: $42,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Austintown, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,068 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Austintown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,381 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,890) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates seeking their first position as a school counselor in Austintown, Ohio, can anticipate a starting salary of approximately $42,068. This figure represents the entry-level compensation, which is considerably below the city's median annual salary of $57,890. For those just beginning their careers, navigating a salary structure that ranges from $42,068 to $89,730 can be daunting, yet there is potential for salary growth over the first few years as one progresses toward the $46,809 threshold for the 25th percentile. Given the current job market and the anticipated increase in school counseling roles due to heightened mental health funding, Austintown offers a viable environment for recent graduates eager to make their mark in the field of education and counseling.
About the Austintown Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Austintown
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 Austintown
Entry-level school counselors in Austintown, OH typically start between $42,068 and $46,809 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,662 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,890 — 10.02% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Ohio of $45,000 represents just 106.97% of the starting school counselor pay ($42,068/year) in Austintown. 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 Austintown
- 1Research the Austintown market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $42,068 to $46,809, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Austintown, 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 Austintown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Austintown'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 Austintown is $47,662 ( 113.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,068, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,730.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,480
2025 BLS Actual
$41,223
2026 Current Est.
$42,068
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Austintown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,480 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,616 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,383 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,755 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,285 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,223 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,930 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Austintown, OH grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,480 in 2019 to $41,223 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,930. New graduates entering the Austintown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austintown 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 Austintown
For entry-level school counselors, employment typically stems from public school districts, which generally follow a step-and-lane salary model similar to that of teachers. These districts are the primary employers for master's-level school counselors, actively seeking individuals with a CACREP-accredited degree and a valid state certification. Similarly, charter schools occasionally present competitive starting school counselor pay in Ohio, albeit without the guarantee of tenure. New graduates should consider obtaining additional credentials, such as a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification, to enhance their marketability. Additionally, given the expanded hiring driven by a national mental health push in schools post-COVID, aspiring counselors can expect their salaries to rise modestly as they gain experience. Realistically, though starting salaries may seem modest, with appropriate advancement and continued professional development, many can anticipate steady growth during the initial years in their careers.
More salary data for Austintown, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Austintown in 2026?
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Is school counseling school worth it in Austintown?
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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 Austintown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austintown 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