School Counselor Salary in Waukee, IA: $54,395 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Waukee, IA earns a median $54,395/year (≈ $26.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Waukee's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $60,171 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Waukee, Iowa, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $54,395, reflecting a growing investment in mental health resources post-COVID. The salary range for school counselors in the area spans from $39,805 at the 10th percentile to $81,348 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide variance based on experience and qualifications. This evolving landscape has been supported by increased mental health funding, allowing local school districts to enhance their hiring processes for skilled counselors. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and BEA Regional Price Parities suggest that while competitive salaries are available, they still fall below the national median of $64,335 for this profession, showcasing the regional economic context and associated employment opportunities in Waukee.
About the Waukee Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,805 | $19.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,963 | $21.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,395 | $26.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,978 | $32.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,348 | $39.11 |
Median Salary Position
15.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukee
In Waukee, IA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,543 (2026 est.). At $54,395, the local median is 15.45% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waukee School Counselor Pay Compares
Waukee median: $54,395/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $56,839 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -15.45% less |
School Counselors in Waukee, IA earn a median of $54,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.45% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 4.30% below the Iowa state average of $56,839.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukee 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.
Waukee, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $54,395 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,171 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,262
2025 BLS Actual
$53,302
2026 Current Est.
$54,395
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Waukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,262 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,157 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,137 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,131 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,623 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,302 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,395 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,510 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukee metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $47,262 (2019) to $53,302 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,510 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,248 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukee 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) | $39,805 – $43,963 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,963 – $54,395 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,395 – $66,978 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,978 – $81,348 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Waukee
With only four school counselors currently employed in Waukee, the local job market indicates a stable but selective hiring process. The cost of living index stands at 90.4, suggesting that take-home pay in Waukee may stretch further than in many parts of the country, making local salaries relatively competitive in terms of purchasing power. K-12 public school districts often offer the highest compensation packages, shaped by established step-and-lane pay structures based on experience and education levels. The differences in pay can be significant, driven by factors such as additional roles, extended contracts, and specialized experiences. For counselors looking to maximize their earning potential in Waukee, pursuing advanced degrees, taking on leadership roles, and participating in summer programs can be effective strategies to enhance their overall compensation.
More salary data for Waukee, 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 $53,302 for school counselorsin the Waukee 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 Waukee 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