Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Taylorsville, UT: $41,161 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Taylorsville, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,161 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Taylorsville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.1 — 2% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,958 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,694) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the role of a school counselor in Taylorsville, UT, the starting pay is projected to be around $41,161 in 2026. This entry-level figure stands significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $59,694, suggesting that early-career professionals in this field may experience a wage gap as they begin their journeys. However, with experience and commitment to professional growth, there is potential for upward movement. Over the first three to five years, entry-level counselors could expect to see their earnings increase into the $46,667 to $59,694 range depending on various factors like employer, district policies, and individual performance. Given the local growth rate of 2.05% in this field, Taylorsville presents a viable market for recent graduates eager to launch a fulfilling career in school counseling.
About the Taylorsville Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Taylorsville
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 Taylorsville
Entry-level school counselors in Taylorsville, UT typically start between $41,161 and $46,667 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,365 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,694 — 7.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Utah of $38,000 represents just 92.32% of the starting school counselor pay ($41,161/year) in Taylorsville. 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 Taylorsville
- 1Research the Taylorsville market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $41,161 to $46,667, 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 Taylorsville, 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 Taylorsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Taylorsville'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 Taylorsville is $51,365 ( 124.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,161, experienced hygienists can earn up to $92,526.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,801
2025 BLS Actual
$40,334
2026 Current Est.
$41,161
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Taylorsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,801 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,912 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,642 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,296 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,962 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,790 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,334 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,161 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42,005 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Taylorsville, UT grew 31.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,801 in 2019 to $40,334 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $42,005. New graduates entering the Taylorsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Taylorsville 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 Taylorsville
In Taylorsville, public school districts are the primary employers who typically hire newly minted counselors. Most often, these positions follow a step-and-lane pay structure similar to that of K-12 teachers. With the recent surge in mental health funding, many districts are actively looking to expand their counseling staff. New graduates should consider enhancing their credentials to boost their starting pay; obtaining a master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program, securing state certification, and completing the required 600+ hours of supervised internship can significantly elevate their marketability. Additionally, pursuing National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification can be beneficial. In light of the current counselor-to-student ratios, which average around 1:385 nationally while ASCA recommends a much lower 1:250, the demand for capable and skilled school counselors is expected to remain strong, offering a positive outlook for salary growth and job security in the first few years of practice.
More salary data for Taylorsville, UT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Taylorsville in 2026?
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Is school counseling school worth it in Taylorsville?
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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 Taylorsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Taylorsville 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