School Counselor Salary in Nampa, ID: $61,254 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Nampa, ID earns a median $61,254/year (≈ $29.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Nampa's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 95.3), that paycheck buys what $64,275 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the Idaho state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Nampa, Idaho, the projected median annual salary for school counselors in 2026 is $61,254, slightly below the national median of $64,335. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with entry-level positions at approximately $41,563 and experienced roles reaching up to $94,944. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living. Given that many school districts in the area adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure, salary placement typically reflects both education and years of experience, making it essential for counselors to consider additional qualifications, such as a master's+30 or doctorate, to achieve higher pay brackets. This reflects the competitive nature of the job market in Nampa, especially in light of increased funding for mental health counseling in schools post-COVID.
About the Nampa Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,563 | $19.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,579 | $22.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,254 | $29.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,406 | $37.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,944 | $45.65 |
Median Salary Position
4.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Nampa
In Nampa, ID, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,381 (2026 est.). At $61,254, the local median is 4.79% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Nampa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Nampa School Counselor Pay Compares
Nampa median: $61,254/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Nampa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Average | $59,528 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | -4.79% less |
School Counselors in Nampa, ID earn a median of $61,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.79% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.90% above the Idaho state average of $59,528.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Nampa has a cost of living 4.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Nampa, ID has a cost-of-living index of 95.3 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $61,254 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,275 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,222
2025 BLS Actual
$60,024
2026 Current Est.
$61,254
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Nampa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,222 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,230 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,114 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,579 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,782 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,024 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,254 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,510 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Nampa metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $53,222 (2019) to $60,024 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,510 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,288 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Nampa 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) | $41,563 – $47,579 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,579 – $61,254 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,254 – $78,406 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,406 – $94,944 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Nampa
The local job market for school counselors includes 25 employed professionals, indicating a stable demand in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 95.3, Nampa offers a lower-than-average living expense, resulting in enhanced purchasing power for school counselor salaries compared to many other parts of the country. Among various employers, K-12 public school districts generally provide the most competitive compensation, particularly those that have expanded mental health initiatives. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can often be attributed to factors such as the length of employment, level of education, and various stipends for additional responsibilities, such as leading a club or heading a department. For counselors seeking to maximize their pay in Nampa, pursuing further education and actively engaging in district-led mental health programs are proven strategies to enhance professional growth and salary potential in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for Nampa, ID:
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
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 $60,024 for school counselorsin the Nampa 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 Nampa 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