School Counselor Salary in West Des Moines, IA: $56,841 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in West Des Moines, IA earns a median $56,841/year (≈ $27.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in West Des Moines's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $62,877 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Des Moines, Iowa, the investment in mental health resources post-COVID has translated into increased demand for school counselors. Projected for 2026, these counselors are expected to earn a median annual salary of $56,841, reflecting a growing recognition of their essential role in student wellness. Salaries in this field range significantly, with the lowest earning approximately $41,085 and the highest reaching up to $88,103. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living conditions. Given the competitive salary structure within the education sector, candidates in West Des Moines are likely to find opportunities that align closely with their qualifications and experience, especially as many districts seek to address the heightened mental health needs of their student populations.
About the West Des Moines Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,085 | $19.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,611 | $21.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,841 | $27.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,757 | $34.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,103 | $42.36 |
Median Salary Position
11.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Des Moines
In West Des Moines, IA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,018 (2026 est.). At $56,841, the local median is 11.65% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Des Moines School Counselor Pay Compares
West Des Moines median: $56,841/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $64,335 | -11.65% less |
School Counselors in West Des Moines, IA earn a median of $56,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.65% lower than the national median of $64,335.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Des Moines 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.
West Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $56,841 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,877 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,387
2025 BLS Actual
$55,699
2026 Current Est.
$56,841
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in West Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,322 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,392 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,071 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,771 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,699 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,841 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,006 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Des Moines metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $49,387 (2019) to $55,699 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,006 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,619 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Des Moines 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) | $41,085 – $44,611 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,611 – $56,841 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,841 – $72,757 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,757 – $88,103 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in West Des Moines
With 16 school counselors currently employed in the area, the job market in West Des Moines is stabilizing alongside its projected growth rate of 2.05% per annum. The cost of living index, currently at 90.4, suggests that while salaries might be lower than the national median, purchasing power remains favorable. Among several institutions, K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive pay, particularly for those who can progress through the step-and-lane salary scales based on experience and advanced degrees. Factors including school district funding levels, counselor roles, and additional stipends for extracurricular responsibilities can widen the pay gap. Counselors looking to maximize their salary potential might consider opportunities for further education or engagement in summer programs. Understanding the local hiring trends and available resources can enhance their prospects in navigating the school counselor pay in West Des Moines IA.
More salary data for West Des Moines, 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 $55,699 for school counselorsin the West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines 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