School Counselor Salary in Portage, IN: $56,339 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Portage, IN earns a median $56,339/year (≈ $27.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Portage's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $61,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the school counselor salary in Portage, IN, is projected to reach a median of $56,339, reflecting a significant difference when compared to the national median of $64,335. Counselors in this area can expect salaries ranging from $41,098 at the 10th percentile to $87,325 at the 90th percentile, providing a clear picture of the local market dynamics. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data with regional cost adjustments factored in. The local salary structure typically follows a step-and-lane model, linking compensation to years of service and education level, making advanced degrees like a master's plus 30 credits advantageous for earning potential in Portage’s educational institutions.
About the Portage Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,098 | $19.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,495 | $21.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,339 | $27.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,114 | $34.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,325 | $41.98 |
Median Salary Position
12.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portage
In Portage, IN, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,227 (2026 est.). At $56,339, the local median is 12.43% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portage: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portage School Counselor Pay Compares
Portage median: $56,339/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $58,322 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -12.43% less |
School Counselors in Portage, IN earn a median of $56,339 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.43% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.40% below the Indiana state average of $58,322.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portage has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portage, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $56,339 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,708 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,951
2025 BLS Actual
$55,207
2026 Current Est.
$56,339
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,951 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,878 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,929 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,611 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,959 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,677 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,207 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,339 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,494 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portage metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $48,951 (2019) to $55,207 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,494 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,543 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portage 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) | $41,098 – $45,495 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,495 – $56,339 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,339 – $72,114 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,114 – $87,325 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Portage
Given that there are only 10 employed school counselors in Portage, competition for these roles may be moderate, yet the cost of living index stands at 91.3, indicating a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average. This lower cost can translate into a higher real income for counselors, impacting take-home pay positively even if salaries appear lower relative to national standards. K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive salaries for school counselors, particularly for those placed on higher steps due to extended contracts or supplemental roles such as department heads or club advisors. To optimize earnings, counselors should consider pursuing advanced certifications, engaging in year-round professional development opportunities, and strategically selecting districts that offer additional stipends for specialized skills or experience in post-COVID mental health initiatives.
More salary data for Portage, IN:
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 $55,207 for school counselorsin the Portage 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 Portage 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