Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Powell, WY: $42,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Powell, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $42,296 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Powell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,150 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,815) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the school counseling field in Powell, Wyoming, can expect to see starting salaries around $42,296 in 2026. This figure represents the lower tenth percentile (P10) of salaries, which is slightly below the median annual salary of $55,815 for school counselors in the area. While $42,296 may seem modest, new professionals can anticipate salary advancement as they gain experience, knowledge, and additional qualifications. Over the first three to five years in the role, entry-level counselors can realistically progress through salary ranges, moving towards the 25th percentile at $46,166 and eventually reaching or exceeding the local median as they develop their practice and expertise. Given these projections, Powell remains a viable market for entry-level counselors, particularly for those willing to invest time and effort into their qualifications.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Powell
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 Powell
Entry-level school counselors in Powell, WY typically start between $42,296 and $46,166 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,218 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,815 — 13.24% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Wyoming of $32,000 represents just 75.66% of the starting school counselor pay ($42,296/year) in Powell. 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 Powell
- 1Research the Powell market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $42,296 to $46,166, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Powell, 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 Powell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Powell'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 Powell is $44,218 ( 104.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $42,296, experienced hygienists can earn up to $86,514.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,651
2025 BLS Actual
$41,446
2026 Current Est.
$42,296
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Powell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,651 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,792 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,569 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,241 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,953 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,794 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,446 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,163 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Powell, WY grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,651 in 2019 to $41,446 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,163. New graduates entering the Powell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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 Powell
In Powell, public school districts typically hire new graduates from accredited master's programs in school counseling, often placing them on step-and-lane salary scales similar to those for teachers. The education requirements include obtaining state school counselor certification, which involves passing state-required exams and completing supervised internship hours. Opportunities to boost starting pay include pursuing National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification and choosing higher education paths that are accredited by CACREP. First-year school counselors might experience starting pay on the lower end of the spectrum, but with the increasing mental health funding in schools due to the COVID-19 crisis, district hiring is on the rise. This change addresses the high school counselor-to-student ratios that ASCA suggests should ideally be 1:250. In the first few years, new grads may see growth in their salary as they gain experience and fulfill the necessary requirements set forth by their districts.
More salary data for Powell, WY:
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 Powell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Powell 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