Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Superior, WI: $43,977 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Superior, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,977 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Superior's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,085 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,100) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of school counseling in Superior, Wisconsin, the starting pay can be quite varied. The projected entry-level school counselor salary in 2026 is around $43,977, which presents a noticeable gap when compared to the overall city median salary of $59,100. While these early-career figures may seem modest, they reflect a growth potential: as new counselors gain experience, they can expect to progress from this entry-level figure to the 25th percentile of $48,365 within a few years. This upward trajectory illustrates that Superior can be a viable market for fresh graduates, particularly for those equipped with the right credentials and a proactive approach to their careers.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Superior
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 Superior
Entry-level school counselors in Superior, WI typically start between $43,977 and $48,365 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,628 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,100 — 8.14% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Wisconsin of $40,000 represents just 90.96% of the starting school counselor pay ($43,977/year) in Superior. 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 Superior
- 1Research the Superior market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $43,977 to $48,365, 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 Superior, 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 Superior for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Superior'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 Superior is $47,628 ( 108.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,977, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,605.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,909
2025 BLS Actual
$43,094
2026 Current Est.
$43,977
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,909 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,096 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,944 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,642 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,423 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,743 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,977 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,879 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Superior, WI grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,909 in 2019 to $43,094 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,879. New graduates entering the Superior job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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 Superior
When looking for positions, various employers in the Superior area are known to hire newly licensed school counselors. Public school districts typically provide reliability and structured pay increases over time, adhering to a step-and-lane pay structure similar to teachers. Alternatively, charter schools may offer slightly higher initial salaries but lack the stability of tenure-track positions. The rise in mental health funding post-COVID has prompted many districts to expand their hiring, creating more opportunities for new professionals. Graduates should ensure they meet critical credentials, such as completing a master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP program, obtaining state certification, and passing required exams. With the current starting school counselor salary in Superior, and with proactive career strategies, first-year counselors can reasonably plan for gradual salary growth in subsequent years, especially in a landscape where demand for their services continues to rise.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Superior in 2026?
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Is school counseling school worth it in Superior?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Superior?
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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 Superior. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Superior 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