Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Kenosha, WI: $48,194 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Kenosha, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,194 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kenosha's local price level (BEA RPP 101.1 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,661 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($66,706) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Prospective school counselors entering the field in Kenosha, Wisconsin, can expect a starting salary around $48,194 in 2026, a figure that sets the foundation for a promising career despite being lower than the city median of $66,706. New graduates may find that their initial salary positions them near the lower end of the pay scale outlined for this profession. However, there is a realistic trajectory for salary growth; within the first three to five years, entry-level counselors can anticipate moving up to the $58,826 range as they gain experience and establish themselves. This upward movement, combined with the city’s favorable market conditions for counseling positions—especially with recent increases in mental health funding—suggests that Kenosha could be an encouraging place for new graduates to start their careers in school counseling.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kenosha
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 Kenosha
Entry-level school counselors in Kenosha, WI typically start between $48,194 and $58,826 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,375 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $66,706 — 3.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Wisconsin of $40,000 represents just 83.00% of the starting school counselor pay ($48,194/year) in Kenosha. 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 Kenosha
- 1Research the Kenosha market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $48,194 to $58,826, 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 Kenosha, 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 Kenosha for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kenosha'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 Kenosha is $47,375 ( 98.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,194, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,569.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,065
2025 BLS Actual
$47,226
2026 Current Est.
$48,194
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Kenosha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,065 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,390 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,156 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,107 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,226 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,194 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,182 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Kenosha, WI grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,065 in 2019 to $47,226 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,182. New graduates entering the Kenosha job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kenosha 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 Kenosha
In Kenosha, key employers actively seeking new graduate school counselors include public school districts, which typically offer structured pay scales based on educational attainment. Unlike traditional districts, charter networks may provide a higher starting salary but lack the job security of tenure. Additionally, positions with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) provide opportunities for overseas placements, often complemented by cost of living adjustments. To enhance entry-level pay in Wisconsin, obtaining a Master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program, securing state counselor certification, and passing any required exams are essential steps. Furthermore, engaging in continuing education, such as pursuing National Board certification, can elevate a new counselor’s profile. Given the high school counselor-to-student ratios—averaging 1:385, far from the recommended 1:250—the demand for well-qualified counselors remains substantial. The post-COVID mental health funding surge has opened more hiring avenues, making it a strategic time for new professionals to align themselves with district needs and maximize early-career advancements.
More salary data for Kenosha, 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 Kenosha. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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