School Counselor Salary in Hutchinson, KS: $56,065 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Hutchinson, KS earns a median $56,065/year (≈ $26.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Hutchinson's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $61,678 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hutchinson, Kansas, the school counselor salary reflects a median of $56,065 for 2026, a figure that remains lower than the national average of $64,335. The local salary range for this role spans from $41,837 at the 10th percentile to $86,901 at the 90th percentile. These numbers are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. Given that the recommended counselor-to-student ratio by the ASCA is 1:250, Hutchinson's current ratio may be instructive for local hiring trends that align with both educational mandates and mental health initiatives. The salaries in Hutchinson, while competitive, are markedly impacted by local demand and available funding for school counselors.
About the Hutchinson Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,837 | $20.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,143 | $22.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,065 | $26.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,513 | $33.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,901 | $41.78 |
Median Salary Position
12.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hutchinson
In Hutchinson, KS, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,064 (2026 est.). At $56,065, the local median is 12.85% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hutchinson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hutchinson School Counselor Pay Compares
Hutchinson median: $56,065/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hutchinson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $57,326 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -12.85% less |
School Counselors in Hutchinson, KS earn a median of $56,065 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.85% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $57,326.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hutchinson has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hutchinson, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $56,065 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,678 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,713
2025 BLS Actual
$54,939
2026 Current Est.
$56,065
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,713 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,636 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,677 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,361 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,701 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,355 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,939 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,065 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,215 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hutchinson metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $48,713 (2019) to $54,939 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,215 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,502 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hutchinson 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) | $41,837 – $46,143 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,143 – $56,065 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,065 – $69,513 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,513 – $86,901 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Hutchinson
The local job market boasts around 10 school counselors, suggesting a relatively stable employment environment, yet the cost of living index stands at 90.9, which is below the national average. This lower index allows for a more favorable purchasing power, although it also puts pressure on local salaries to remain competitive. K-12 public school districts typically represent the largest employers in the area, where factors like experience, education level, and additional roles contribute to salary discrepancies. The pay structure in most districts follows a step-and-lane model, which emphasizes the importance of continuing education to increase earning potential. For those seeking to maximize their school counselor pay in Hutchinson, strategies such as pursuing advanced degrees or taking on supplemental responsibilities, like club advising or department leadership, can enhance their compensation prospects.
More salary data for Hutchinson, KS:
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 $54,939 for school counselorsin the Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson 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