School Counselor Salary in Overland Park, KS: $58,248 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Overland Park, KS earns a median $58,248/year (≈ $28.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Overland Park's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $64,079 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Overland Park, Kansas, can expect a median annual salary of $58,248, reflecting the increased attention on mental health resources in schools. Following the post-COVID mental health funding expansion, local hiring has intensified, creating opportunities for school counselors. Salary estimates indicate a broad range, with prospective earnings from $38,463 at the 10th percentile to $90,285 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data alongside regional cost adjustments, showcasing how Overland Park's job market is both competitive and supportive of the counseling profession, crucial for maintaining student mental health and wellbeing in educational settings.
About the Overland Park Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,463 | $18.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,397 | $21.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,248 | $28.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,558 | $35.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,285 | $43.40 |
Median Salary Position
9.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Overland Park
In Overland Park, KS, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,822 (2026 est.). At $58,248, the local median is 9.46% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Overland Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Overland Park School Counselor Pay Compares
Overland Park median: $58,248/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Overland Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $57,331 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | -9.46% less |
School Counselors in Overland Park, KS earn a median of $58,248 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.46% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 1.60% above the Kansas state average of $57,331.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Overland Park 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.
Overland Park, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $58,248 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,079 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,610
2025 BLS Actual
$57,078
2026 Current Est.
$58,248
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Overland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,610 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,568 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,689 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,753 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,431 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,078 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,248 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,442 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Overland Park metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $50,610 (2019) to $57,078 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,442 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,832 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Overland Park 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) | $38,463 – $44,397 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,397 – $58,248 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,248 – $74,558 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,558 – $90,285 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Overland Park
The local job market for school counselors remains robust, with 29 professionals currently employed in the area. Overland Park's cost-of-living index stands at 90.9, which means take-home pay can stretch further compared to many parts of the nation. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the highest compensation, with variations based on factors such as experience, education levels, and specific roles within districts. The pronounced pay gap between the lowest and highest salaries in this sector often relates to the step-and-lane pay scale, which rewards years of service and advanced degrees. Counselors who seek to maximize their pay should consider pursuing additional qualifications, such as a master's+30 or doctorate, and explore opportunities for extended contracts or stipends for additional responsibilities, as these can significantly enhance overall earnings.
More salary data for Overland Park, 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 $57,078 for school counselorsin the Overland Park 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 Overland Park 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