Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Syracuse, UT: $40,885 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Syracuse, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,885 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Syracuse's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,677 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,515) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting as a school counselor in Syracuse, UT, new graduates can expect a beginning salary around $40,885, reflecting the entry point for positions in 2026. This figure is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $59,515, indicating a disparity that early-career professionals should be prepared to navigate. In their first few years, new counselors will gradually see salary growth as they gain experience, with the 25th percentile earning approximately $48,494 within just a few years. For aspiring school counselors, Syracuse presents a unique opportunity; while the starting pay may feel low compared to the median, the area is experiencing increased demand for school counselors, driven in part by expanded funding in mental health services following COVID-19. Therefore, the local job market remains a viable path for those seeking enter the profession.
About the Syracuse Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Syracuse
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 Syracuse
Entry-level school counselors in Syracuse, UT typically start between $40,885 and $48,494 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,362 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,515 — 7.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Utah of $38,000 represents just 92.94% of the starting school counselor pay ($40,885/year) in Syracuse. 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 Syracuse
- 1Research the Syracuse market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $40,885 to $48,494, 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 Syracuse, 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 Syracuse for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Syracuse'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 Syracuse is $51,362 ( 125.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,885, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,247.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,595
2025 BLS Actual
$40,064
2026 Current Est.
$40,885
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Syracuse (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,595 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,699 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,416 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,066 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,721 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,476 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,064 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,885 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,723 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Syracuse, UT grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,595 in 2019 to $40,064 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,723. New graduates entering the Syracuse job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse 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 Syracuse
Employers in Syracuse primarily consist of public school districts that typically hire master's-level counselors following a step-and-lane pay structure similar to teachers. These districts offer reliable job security, often leading to consistent growth as counselors earn experience and advancement based on tenure. In addition to public schools, private charter networks occasionally provide competitive initial salaries but might lack the same job stability due to the absence of tenure systems. For those considering a career as a school counselor, obtaining credentials such as a CACREP-accredited master's degree, state certification, and successfully passing required state exams will enhance starting salary prospects. Given that the American School Counselor Association recommends a counselor-to-student ratio of 1:250, the current national average of 1:385 indicates a continuing demand for counselors across the state. Consequently, new professionals can realistically anticipate meaningful salary progression over their first three years in this supportive market.
More salary data for Syracuse, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Syracuse in 2026?
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Is school counseling school worth it in Syracuse?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Syracuse?
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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 Syracuse. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Syracuse 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