School Counselor Salary in Marshalltown, IA: $54,150 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Marshalltown, IA earns a median $54,150/year (≈ $26.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Marshalltown's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $59,900 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the school counselor salary in Marshalltown is projected to reach a median of $54,150, which falls significantly below the national median of $64,335, marking a 15.83% disadvantage for local professionals. The expected salary range for school counselors in this Iowa city stretches from $39,886 at the 10th percentile to $83,932 at the 90th percentile, providing a varied landscape of compensation depending on experience and education. Specifically, placement on the district's step-and-lane scale, which accounts for years of service and educational attainment—such as a master’s degree versus a master’s degree plus 30 credit hours—plays a vital role in determining salary levels within Marshalltown. Local estimates reflect adjustments based on BLS state-level data and regional pricing, positioning the job market around education-focused roles, particularly in light of post-COVID mental health funding expansions aimed at enhancing counselor staffing.
About the Marshalltown Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,886 | $19.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,809 | $20.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,150 | $26.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,715 | $33.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,932 | $40.35 |
Median Salary Position
15.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marshalltown
In Marshalltown, IA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,046 (2026 est.). At $54,150, the local median is 15.83% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marshalltown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marshalltown School Counselor Pay Compares
Marshalltown median: $54,150/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marshalltown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $56,880 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -15.83% less |
School Counselors in Marshalltown, IA earn a median of $54,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.83% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 4.80% below the Iowa state average of $56,880.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marshalltown 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.
Marshalltown, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $54,150 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,900 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,049
2025 BLS Actual
$53,062
2026 Current Est.
$54,150
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Marshalltown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,049 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,911 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,606 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,901 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,381 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,062 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,150 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,260 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marshalltown metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $47,049 (2019) to $53,062 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,260 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,211 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marshalltown 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) | $39,886 – $42,809 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,809 – $54,150 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,150 – $68,715 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,715 – $83,932 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Marshalltown
Analyzing the job market for school counselors in Marshalltown reveals a rather stable employment scenario, with eight counselors currently employed. The city's cost of living index stands at 90.4, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than national averages, the purchasing power for local counselors is somewhat favorable. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive pay structures, adhering to established step-and-lane compensation models. Several factors contribute to the spread in salaries, including variations in educational qualifications, experience levels, and additional roles carried out during the school year. Counselors are encouraged to pursue further education and specialized certifications to maximize their earning potential, as the market demonstrates a valuation of advanced qualifications like a master's+30 or doctorate. Furthermore, actively seeking out roles with stipend opportunities, such as department head or club advisor positions, can provide additional financial incentives, making it essential for counselors in Marshalltown to leverage all available resources to enhance their pay prospects.
More salary data for Marshalltown, 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 $53,062 for school counselorsin the Marshalltown 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 Marshalltown 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