Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Menomonie, WI: $42,315 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Menomonie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,315 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,305 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,610) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Menomonie, Wisconsin, the entry-level school counselor salary is expected to start at around $42,315 in 2026, setting the stage for new graduates entering the profession. While this figure is significantly lower than the median annual salary of $58,610 for the area, it reflects realistic expectations for those just beginning their careers. Over the first few years, starting counselors can anticipate gradual salary increases, moving from the entry-level wages toward the 25th percentile, at which they could earn approximately $46,766. For recent graduates seeking their first position, Menomonie's market for school counselors appears promising, especially given the ongoing demand for mental health services in schools post-COVID, which has led to a slight growth rate of 2.05% annually in this field.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonie
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 Menomonie
Entry-level school counselors in Menomonie, WI typically start between $42,315 and $46,766 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,431 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,610 — 8.9% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Wisconsin of $40,000 represents just 94.53% of the starting school counselor pay ($42,315/year) in Menomonie. 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 Menomonie
- 1Research the Menomonie market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $42,315 to $46,766, 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 Menomonie, 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 Menomonie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonie'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 Menomonie is $46,431 ( 109.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,315, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,746.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,665
2025 BLS Actual
$41,465
2026 Current Est.
$42,315
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,665 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,807 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,585 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,970 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,092 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,465 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,315 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,182 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonie, WI grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,665 in 2019 to $41,465 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,182. New graduates entering the Menomonie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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 Menomonie
To make an impact in the Menomonie school system, new graduates should consider potential employers such as local public school districts, which typically offer structured pay based on a step-and-lane schedule akin to that of teachers. This means that while entry-level pay may start lower, career advancement and salary progression are more systematic in this setting. The requirements for new grad school counselor pay in WI include obtaining a Master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program, obtaining state certification or licensure, and passing relevant state exams. Some counselors may further boost their credentials with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification. For aspiring counselors, strengthening connections within the community and engaging in continuous learning will be vital strategies during the first three years as they navigate their professional paths in a competitive environment where the counselor-to-student ratio continues to challenge district resources.
More salary data for Menomonie, 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 Menomonie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonie 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