Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Greenfield, WI: $44,515 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Greenfield, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,515 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Greenfield's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,661 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,401) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level school counselor salary in Greenfield, Wisconsin, starts at around $44,515 for those just entering the field. For new graduates, this figure represents a challenging first step, especially when compared to the city’s median salary of $61,401. The gap indicates that while entry-level positions may be modest, there is room for growth within the first few years of employment. As counselors move from starting positions to more established roles, pay can incrementally increase to approximately $49,380, and those with experience can anticipate salaries that align closer with the median. Greenfield is currently a viable market for new graduates, given that school districts are looking to expand their counselor staff to improve student support, especially in light of recent mental health initiatives following the pandemic.
About the Greenfield Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Greenfield
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 Greenfield
Entry-level school counselors in Greenfield, WI typically start between $44,515 and $49,380 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $50,657 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,401 — 4.56% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Wisconsin of $40,000 represents just 89.86% of the starting school counselor pay ($44,515/year) in Greenfield. 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 Greenfield
- 1Research the Greenfield market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $44,515 to $49,380, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Greenfield, 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 Greenfield for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Greenfield's below-average 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 Greenfield is $50,657 ( 113.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,515, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,172.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,312
2025 BLS Actual
$43,621
2026 Current Est.
$44,515
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Greenfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,513 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,383 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,893 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,621 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,515 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,428 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Greenfield, WI grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,312 in 2019 to $43,621 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,428. New graduates entering the Greenfield job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greenfield 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 Greenfield
Various employers in Greenfield, including public school districts, are actively hiring new graduates to fill school counseling positions. These districts often provide a structured pay scale based on the step-and-lane system, which parallels that of teachers, allowing entry-level counselors to ascend through defined salary increments. Prospective counselors should prioritize obtaining credentials such as a Master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program and state certification. Additional qualifications can further enhance earning potential, such as completing the required Praxis exams and obtaining supervised internship hours. With the national school counselor-to-student ratio averaging at around 1:385—far exceeding the ASCA's recommended 1:250—opportunities for growth and advancement are significant during the first few years of a counselor's career. The increased funding for mental health initiatives is likely to facilitate hiring, allowing for a gradual salary increase as counselors gain experience and skills within the education system of Greenfield, WI.
More salary data for Greenfield, WI:
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 Greenfield. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Greenfield 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