School Counselor Salary in Johnston, IA: $52,770 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Johnston, IA earns a median $52,770/year (≈ $25.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $58,374 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Iowa, the projected school counselor salary in 2026 stands at $52,770, which is significantly lower than the national median of $64,335. Within the local market, school counselors can expect salaries that range from $40,607 at the 10th percentile to $81,794 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and account for regional price adjustments. School counselors in Johnston are placed on a step-and-lane scale, often influenced by their years of experience and educational attainment, specifically distinguishing placements between master’s degrees and higher qualifications. The job market reflects local demands and the unique dynamics of school funding, positioning the role as an essential part of the educational landscape in the community.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,607 | $19.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,930 | $21.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,770 | $25.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,380 | $32.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,794 | $39.32 |
Median Salary Position
17.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, IA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,187 (2026 est.). At $52,770, the local median is 17.98% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston School Counselor Pay Compares
Johnston median: $52,770/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $56,864 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -17.98% less |
School Counselors in Johnston, IA earn a median of $52,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.98% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $56,864.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $52,770 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,374 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,850
2025 BLS Actual
$51,710
2026 Current Est.
$52,770
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,718 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,639 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,342 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,604 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,021 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,710 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,770 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,852 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $45,850 (2019) to $51,710 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,002 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $40,607 – $43,930 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,930 – $52,770 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,770 – $67,380 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,380 – $81,794 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Johnston
Currently, Johnston employs just four school counselors, indicating a niche but stable market for professionals in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, residents can expect their salaries to stretch further compared to higher cost areas, enhancing their purchasing power. In terms of competitive pay, K-12 public school districts, particularly those with programs supporting mental health initiatives, tend to offer the best compensation packages. The disparity between salaries is affected by various factors, including the step-and-lane pay scale, which rewards experience and advanced degrees, as well as additional roles such as department heads or club advisors that come with stipends. To maximize school counselor pay in Johnston, obtaining advanced qualifications and seeking roles within districts known for their mental health programs may prove advantageous, especially in light of recent funding expansions focused on student wellness following the COVID-19 pandemic.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
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 $51,710 for school counselorsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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