Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Racine, WI: $49,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Racine, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,165 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Racine's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,234 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,635) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Entering the field of school counseling in Racine, WI, typically means starting with a salary at the lower end of the spectrum, marked by an anticipated entry-level pay of $49,165 in 2026. This figure presents a clear gap from the city’s median annual salary of $64,635, highlighting the realities many new graduates face as they look to establish their careers. However, with a steady growth trajectory suggested by the 2026 estimates, entry-level counselors can reasonably expect to see their earnings progress from initial roles to around $59,055 within a few years, and potentially reach the median over a 3-5 year period. The job market in Racine appears to be supportive of new graduates, particularly as many districts actively seek to bolster their counseling staff due to heightened demand stemming from mental health funding post-COVID.
Career Earnings Timeline in Racine
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 Racine
Entry-level school counselors in Racine, WI typically start between $49,165 and $59,055 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,714 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,635 — 0.47% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Wisconsin of $40,000 represents just 81.36% of the starting school counselor pay ($49,165/year) in Racine. 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 Racine
- 1Research the Racine market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $49,165 to $59,055, 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 Racine, 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 Racine for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Racine'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 Racine is $45,714 ( 92.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,165, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,879.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,530
2025 BLS Actual
$48,177
2026 Current Est.
$49,165
2019–2027 Growth
+23.8%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,240 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,177 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,173 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Racine, WI grew 18.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,530 in 2019 to $48,177 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,173. New graduates entering the Racine job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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 Racine
In terms of employment opportunities, several public school districts in Racine are prime hiring spots for new school counselors, often utilizing a step-and-lane pay structure akin to their teaching counterparts. This method rewards counselors based on their educational attainment; thus, new grads with a master’s degree in school counseling, preferably from CACREP-accredited programs, can position themselves favorably. Obtaining state counselor certification and passing any required state licensure exams can also enhance starting pay. Additionally, some charter schools may offer competitive salaries, though without established tenure benefits, while the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools present exciting overseas career options with a cost-of-living adjustment premium. For new counselors starting their journey, keeping track of the high student-to-counselor ratios—currently averaging 1:385—means being prepared for a busy workload. With mental health initiatives pushing hiring in the last few years, new professionals should remain optimistic; realistic salary growth in the first few years reflects the step increases typical within educational employment, aligning with counselor demand.
More salary data for Racine, 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 Racine. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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