School Counselor Salary in Aurora, IL: $57,004 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Aurora, IL earns a median $57,004/year (≈ $27.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $58,706 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, the projected salary for school counselors in 2026 shows a median of $57,004, significantly below the national median of $64,335. Despite these figures indicating a competitive local job market, the salary range varies widely, with the lowest 10% earning approximately $39,559 and the upper 90% making as much as $88,356 annually. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflecting local hiring trends influenced by recent expansions in mental health funding. This influx of support has increased the demand for school counselors, particularly in the K-12 sector, where needs have escalated in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,559 | $19.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,665 | $20.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,004 | $27.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,966 | $35.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,356 | $42.48 |
Median Salary Position
11.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,797 (2026 est.). At $57,004, the local median is 11.4% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora School Counselor Pay Compares
Aurora median: $57,004/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $57,696 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -11.40% less |
School Counselors in Aurora, IL earn a median of $57,004 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.40% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 1.20% below the Illinois state average of $57,696.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $57,004 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,706 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,529
2025 BLS Actual
$55,859
2026 Current Est.
$57,004
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,529 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,467 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,542 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,221 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,202 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,859 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,004 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,173 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $49,529 (2019) to $55,859 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,173 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,644 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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) | $39,559 – $43,665 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,665 – $57,004 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,004 – $72,966 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,966 – $88,356 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Aurora
The job market for school counselors in Aurora consists of about 44 professionals, showcasing a somewhat stable demand in the region. With a cost-of-living index at 97.1, counselors in this area may find their take-home pay affords them a decent lifestyle, albeit slightly tight compared to the national average. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer competitive salaries driven by a step-and-lane pay structure that takes into account factors like years of experience and educational qualifications. Compensation can also vary depending on roles such as department heads, club advisors, and participation in summer programs, which come with additional stipends. To maximize earning potential, counselors are encouraged to pursue continued education beyond a master’s degree and seek opportunities in high-paying districts.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
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 $55,859 for school counselorsin the Aurora 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 Aurora 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