Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Park City, UT: $44,059 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Park City, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,059 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Park City's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,912 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,076) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those just stepping into the profession, the entry level school counselor salary in Park City, Utah, starts around $44,059 according to 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data. This figure reflects the lower end of the pay scale for new graduates, who can generally expect to experience a gradual increase in salary as they gain experience. In comparison, the median annual salary for all school counselors in Park City is significantly higher at $57,076, indicating a potential gap that many new professionals can work toward closing in their early careers. Over the first few years, entry-level salaries can progress toward the $47,797 mark as new counselors develop their skills and establish themselves in the field. Given the existing job market conditions, Park City is a favorable place for new graduates seeking to start their careers, especially with heightened demand for counselors following recent funding increases directed at mental health resources.
About the Park City Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Park City
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 Park City
Entry-level school counselors in Park City, UT typically start between $44,059 and $47,797 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,408 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,076 — 11.28% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Utah of $38,000 represents just 86.25% of the starting school counselor pay ($44,059/year) in Park City. 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 Park City
- 1Research the Park City market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $44,059 to $47,797, 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 Park City, 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 Park City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Park City'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 Park City is $44,408 ( 100.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,059, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,467.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,970
2025 BLS Actual
$43,174
2026 Current Est.
$44,059
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Park City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,010 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,494 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,545 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,174 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,059 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,962 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Park City, UT grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,970 in 2019 to $43,174 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,962. New graduates entering the Park City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Park City 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 Park City
In Park City, public school districts are the primary employers for newly-minted school counselors, typically offering positions aligned with K-12 step-and-lane salary scales that match educational qualifications. While public schools tend to hire a majority of new graduates, charter schools may offer slightly higher starting salaries without the typical tenure benefits associated with traditional districts. To enhance earning potential, candidates should ensure they obtain a Master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program and secure state certification, which may include passing relevant exams. As the demand for counselors rises—accelerated by post-COVID mental health initiatives—new professionals can find opportunities for salary growth in line with the K-12 pay structure. In the first three years of service, it's realistic to expect gradual increases as counselors gain experience and contribute to the well-being of their student populations, which currently face a challenging counselor-to-student ratio of 1:385 across the U.S. The proactive approach to leveraging available resources and professional development can significantly influence new grad school counselor pay in UT.
More salary data for Park City, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Park City in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Park City?
Is school counseling school worth it in Park City?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Park City?
How do I become a school counselor in Utah?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Utah
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 Park City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Park City 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