Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Des Moines, WA: $58,844 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Des Moines, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,844 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Moines's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,790 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,290) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of school counseling, the starting school counselor salary in Des Moines, WA, is projected to be around $58,844 in 2026. This entry-level figure represents a significant gap compared to the city’s median salary of $82,290, highlighting the typical increase in compensation as one gains experience. Over the first few years, many can expect to see their earnings progress from the P10 level to the P25, which is estimated at $65,833. Given the city's commitment to mental health resources post-COVID, Des Moines is positioned as a supportive market for newly licensed counselors, with opportunities for growth and a favorable outlook for those beginning their careers.
About the Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Moines
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 Des Moines
Entry-level school counselors in Des Moines, WA typically start between $58,844 and $65,833 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,705 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,290 — 27.91% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Washington of $52,000 represents just 88.37% of the starting school counselor pay ($58,844/year) in Des Moines. 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 Des Moines
- 1Research the Des Moines market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $58,844 to $65,833, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Moines, 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 Des Moines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Moines'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 Des Moines is $68,705 ( 116.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,844, experienced hygienists can earn up to $127,549.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,034
2025 BLS Actual
$57,662
2026 Current Est.
$58,844
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,034 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,622 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,094 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,029 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,412 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,662 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,844 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,050 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Des Moines, WA grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,034 in 2019 to $57,662 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,050. New graduates entering the Des Moines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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 Des Moines
In Des Moines, the primary employers of new school counselors are local public school districts. These organizations generally adhere to step-and-lane pay structures similar to those used for teachers, which means starting salaries can vary based on the counselor's educational background. Graduates holding a Master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program, along with state certification and necessary supervised internship hours, will find themselves in a competitive position. There is a growing demand for school counselors due to heightened awareness of mental health issues in schools, which is further supplemented by new funding initiatives. For those entering the profession, it may be realistic to aim for salary increases as they gain experience and establish their effectiveness, with expectations of upward movement in the first few years tied to performance and district budget considerations.
More salary data for Des Moines, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Des Moines in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Des Moines?
Is school counseling school worth it in Des Moines?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Des Moines?
How do I become a school counselor in Washington?
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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 Des Moines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Moines 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