School Counselor Salary in Kansas City, KS: $61,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Kansas City, KS earns a median $61,213/year (≈ $29.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Kansas City's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $67,341 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.8% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Kansas City, Kansas, can expect a median annual salary of $61,213, which reflects a slight reduction compared to the national median of $64,335. The local salary range spans from $40,428 at the 10th percentile to $94,880 at the 90th percentile, indicating a substantial difference based on experience and educational qualifications. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. It's important to consider how school district salary structures—typically following a step-and-lane system—affect placement depending on the level of education (master's degrees versus master's plus 30 credits) and years of service, further influencing overall compensation when looking at school counselor pay in Kansas City.
About the Kansas City Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,428 | $19.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,661 | $22.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,213 | $29.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,352 | $37.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,880 | $45.62 |
Median Salary Position
4.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kansas City
In Kansas City, KS, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,452 (2026 est.). At $61,213, the local median is 4.85% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kansas City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kansas City School Counselor Pay Compares
Kansas City median: $61,213/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kansas City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $57,315 | +6.80% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | -4.85% less |
School Counselors in Kansas City, KS earn a median of $61,213 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.85% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 6.80% above the Kansas state average of $57,315.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kansas City 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.
Kansas City, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $61,213 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,341 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,186
2025 BLS Actual
$59,983
2026 Current Est.
$61,213
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Kansas City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,186 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,193 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,421 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,076 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,436 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,983 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,468 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kansas City metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $53,186 (2019) to $59,983 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,468 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,282 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kansas City 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) | $40,428 – $46,661 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,661 – $61,213 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,213 – $78,352 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,352 – $94,880 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Kansas City
Currently, approximately 25 school counselors are employed in Kansas City, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of mental health resources in schools, particularly after recent funding expansions post-COVID. The cost of living index for the area is 90.9, which can enhance the purchasing power of counselors compared to peers in higher-cost cities. Traditionally, K-12 public school districts provide competitive pay, but variations exist among charter networks and private schools. The disparities between low and high salaries often stem from established pay scales that reward longevity and advanced degrees, as well as potential stipends for additional roles or responsibilities. Counselors looking to maximize their earnings in this market may consider pursuing further education or certifications, targeting districts with higher budgets for mental health initiatives, or seeking positions that offer summer programs or extended contracts. Understanding local employer dynamics can play a significant role in how much school counselors make in Kansas City, shape their career trajectories, and enhance their financial stability in the long run.
More salary data for Kansas City, 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 $59,983 for school counselorsin the Kansas City 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 Kansas City 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