Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Logan, UT: $44,094 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Logan, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,094 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Logan's local price level (BEA RPP 95.9 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,966 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,906) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the field of school counseling in Logan, Utah, the projected starting school counselor salary is $44,094 in 2026. This entry-level figure is below the city's median annual salary of $63,906, illustrating a significant gap that early-career professionals may initially face. However, as new counselors gain experience, they can expect to see their pay advance gradually through the pay structure typical in this industry. Within the first few years, many might move from the initial salary toward the 25th percentile range of $52,225. Given the hiring expansion following increased mental health funding in schools, Logan offers promising opportunities for recent graduates looking to establish their careers in a supportive environment.
Career Earnings Timeline in Logan
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 Logan
Entry-level school counselors in Logan, UT typically start between $44,094 and $52,225 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,494 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,906 — 0.67% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Utah of $38,000 represents just 86.18% of the starting school counselor pay ($44,094/year) in Logan. 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 Logan
- 1Research the Logan market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $44,094 to $52,225, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Logan, 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 Logan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Logan'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 Logan is $54,494 ( 123.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,094, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,588.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,040
2025 BLS Actual
$43,208
2026 Current Est.
$44,094
2019–2027 Growth
+55.0%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Logan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $17,740 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,640 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,730 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,208 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,094 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,998 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Logan, UT grew 48.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,040 in 2019 to $43,208 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,998. New graduates entering the Logan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Logan 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 Logan
Within Logan, public school districts such as Cache County School District are key employers for new school counselors, typically offering a step-and-lane pay structure that aligns salaries with education levels and years of experience. Additional options like charter schools may offer slightly higher starting salaries but could lack the long-term security provided by established districts. To enhance their earning potential, new graduates should focus on obtaining credentials such as a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program and relevant state certification, which are essential for securing positions in the field. Engaging in ongoing professional development can also lead to salary increases, especially in a climate where the ASCA recommends a counselor-to-student ratio of 1:250, yet the national average sits at 1:385. With the right qualifications and strategic choices, new grad school counselor pay in UT can reflect the growing demand for mental health support in educational settings.
More salary data for Logan, UT:
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 Logan. 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