School Counselor Salary in Wasilla, AK: $61,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Wasilla, AK earns a median $61,842/year (≈ $29.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Wasilla's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $58,287 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wasilla, Alaska, school counselors earn a median annual salary of $61,842 in 2026, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median. This local median is situated within a salary range that extends from $47,107 at the 10th percentile to $94,123 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating significant variability in pay based on factors such as experience and educational attainment. Estimates provided here are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, clarifying the local compensation structure as closely aligned with the typical step-and-lane scale associated with K-12 teachers. For those considering a career in counseling within this district, understanding the placement within the pay scale based on possessing a master's degree versus a master's plus 30 hours can enhance strategic career decisions.
About the Wasilla Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,107 | $22.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,786 | $23.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,842 | $29.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,300 | $37.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,123 | $45.25 |
Median Salary Position
3.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wasilla
In Wasilla, AK, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,016 (2026 est.). At $61,842, the local median is 3.88% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wasilla: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wasilla School Counselor Pay Compares
Wasilla median: $61,842/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wasilla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $66,929 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -3.88% less |
School Counselors in Wasilla, AK earn a median of $61,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.88% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $66,929.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wasilla has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wasilla, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,842 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,287 — a 5.75% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$53,733
2025 BLS Actual
$60,600
2026 Current Est.
$61,842
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Wasilla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,733 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,001 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,653 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,132 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,110 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wasilla metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $53,733 (2019) to $60,600 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,110 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,377 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wasilla 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,107 – $49,786 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,786 – $61,842 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,842 – $77,300 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,300 – $94,123 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Wasilla
With only four school counselors employed within the Wasilla area, job competition remains relatively light, yet the cost of living index stands at 106.1, suggesting that living expenses are above the national average. This reality can affect purchasing power, making it essential for school counselors to optimize their compensation. Among the various local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive salaries, particularly for those in advanced degree tiers or with extensive experience. Factors that contribute to the salary spread include the step-and-lane pay structure, local economic conditions, and additional compensation opportunities such as summer programs and stipends for extra duties like department leadership. Counselors seeking to maximize their pay should consider pursuing advanced credentials and taking on roles that provide supplemental income, as shifting placements within the salary scale can yield financial benefits.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Wasilla, AK in 2026?
Is Wasilla, AK a good place to work as a school counselor?
Can school counselors make $100K in Wasilla?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted school counselor salary in Wasilla?
How much does a school counselor make per hour in Wasilla?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Alaska
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,600 for school counselorsin the Wasilla metropolitan area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wasilla 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