School Counselor Salary in Oak Lawn, IL: $56,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Oak Lawn, IL earns a median $56,250/year (≈ $27.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Oak Lawn's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $57,930 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for school counselors in Oak Lawn, Illinois, stands at $56,250. This figure reflects both the local economic landscape and the ongoing expansion of mental health funding initiated post-COVID, which has resulted in increased hiring to address student mental health needs. Salaries for school counselors in the area range from $40,176 at the 10th percentile to $87,187 at the 90th percentile, showing a robust market for professionals in this field. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data alongside regional price adjustments, illustrating the city's specific salary dynamics. As Oak Lawn continues to invest in school mental health resources, the job outlook remains promising for qualified counselors seeking positions in local educational institutions.
About the Oak Lawn Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,176 | $19.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,959 | $21.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,250 | $27.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,000 | $34.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,187 | $41.92 |
Median Salary Position
12.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Lawn
In Oak Lawn, IL, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,011 (2026 est.). At $56,250, the local median is 12.57% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oak Lawn: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oak Lawn School Counselor Pay Compares
Oak Lawn median: $56,250/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Lawn Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $57,751 | -2.60% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -12.57% less |
School Counselors in Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $56,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.57% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $57,751.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Lawn 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.
Oak Lawn, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $56,250 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,930 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,874
2025 BLS Actual
$55,120
2026 Current Est.
$56,250
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,874 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,799 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,847 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,530 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,875 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,120 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,403 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Lawn metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $48,874 (2019) to $55,120 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,403 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,529 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Lawn 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) | $40,176 – $43,959 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,959 – $56,250 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,250 – $72,000 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,000 – $87,187 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Oak Lawn
The job market for school counselors in Oak Lawn currently employs 14 professionals, indicating a competitive but evolving landscape. With a cost of living index of 97.1, counselors may find their take-home purchasing power elevated compared to other regions. Various educational settings such as K-12 public school districts and charter schools are among the primary employers, often paying the highest salaries based on established step-and-lane structures that reward experience and advanced education levels. Factors such as the demand for certified counselors who can navigate the challenges stemming from high student-to-counselor ratios, coupled with district-specific pay scales that account for additional roles or summer programs, significantly influence salary variations. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing additional qualifications, gaining experience in high-need areas, and seeking roles with extended contracts can be effective strategies in Oak Lawn's distinct market.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, 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 $55,120 for school counselorsin the Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn 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