Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Huron, SD: $40,940 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Huron, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,940 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,116 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($53,958) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For recent graduates entering the school counseling field in Huron, SD, the starting school counselor salary generally begins at approximately $40,940 annually. This figure is slightly below the city's median salary of $53,958, highlighting a tangible gap that new counselors can work to bridge in their first few years. With realistic expectations, entry-level counselors can anticipate gradual salary increases as they gain experience, potentially reaching around $44,497 by the time they move to the 25th percentile in their career trajectory. Given the growth rate of 2.05% annually, Huron currently presents opportunities for new grad school counselors to launch their careers, particularly as mental health funding post-COVID has led to increased hiring in many districts.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huron
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 Huron
Entry-level school counselors in Huron, SD typically start between $40,940 and $44,497 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,102 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $53,958 — 16.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in South Dakota of $35,000 represents just 85.49% of the starting school counselor pay ($40,940/year) in Huron. 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 Huron
- 1Research the Huron market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $40,940 to $44,497, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Huron, 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 Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huron'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 Huron is $41,102 ( 100.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,940, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,042.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,637
2025 BLS Actual
$40,118
2026 Current Est.
$40,940
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,637 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,742 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,461 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,112 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,769 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,034 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,118 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,940 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,780 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Huron, SD grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,637 in 2019 to $40,118 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,780. New graduates entering the Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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 Huron
In Huron, public school districts predominantly recruit new master's-level school counselors who align their salaries with educational qualifications through a step-and-lane pay structure. While starting positions may be lower than the national average pay of $64,335, new graduates can enhance their marketability by obtaining credentials such as a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program and acquiring state certification. Engaging in supervised internships, typically requiring over 600 hours, can also offer a competitive edge. In the early years, counselors should focus on building relationships within the community, as school counselor-to-student ratios remain high—ASCA recommends a 1:250 ratio, yet the national average stands at 1:385. With the increase in demand for mental health professionals in schools, early-career counselors in Huron may see promising salary growth as they establish themselves within the educational landscape.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Huron in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Huron?
Is school counseling school worth it in Huron?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Huron?
How do I become a school counselor in South Dakota?
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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 Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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