School Counselor Salary in Murray, KY: $61,052 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Murray, KY earns a median $61,052/year (≈ $29.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Murray's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $68,367 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the wake of expanded mental health funding following COVID-19, the outlook for school counselors in Murray, Kentucky, is promising, with a projected median annual salary of $61,052 for 2026. The salary range for these positions spans from $47,770 at the 10th percentile to as high as $94,427 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlighting the continuing investment in mental health services within the education system. As local districts increase their hiring to address the rising mental health needs of students, the job market for school counselors in Murray appears to be strengthening.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,770 | $22.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,400 | $24.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,052 | $29.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,108 | $37.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,427 | $45.40 |
Median Salary Position
5.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Murray
In Murray, KY, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,657 (2026 est.). At $61,052, the local median is 5.1% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Murray: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Murray School Counselor Pay Compares
Murray median: $61,052/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Murray Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $65,297 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -5.10% less |
School Counselors in Murray, KY earn a median of $61,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.10% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $65,297.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Murray has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Murray, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $61,052 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,367 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,046
2025 BLS Actual
$59,826
2026 Current Est.
$61,052
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,046 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,051 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,273 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,929 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,389 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,443 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,826 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,052 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,304 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Murray metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $53,046 (2019) to $59,826 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,304 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,258 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Murray 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) | $47,770 – $51,400 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,400 – $61,052 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,052 – $77,108 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,108 – $94,427 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Murray
Despite the attractive salary figures, it’s crucial to consider the cost of living in Murray, which stands at an index of 89.3, indicating it is below the national average. This lower cost of living can enhance the purchasing power of school counselor pay in Murray, KY. Currently, there are four school counselors employed in the area, often distributed among K-12 public school districts, which generally adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure similar to that of teachers. Variability in salaries is influenced by several factors, including years of experience, advanced degrees, and supplemental roles such as department heads. To maximize potential earnings, aspiring counselors should pursue continuing education and seek out opportunities within districts that offer competitive pay scales, including extended contracts and summer programs. Understanding how much do school counselors make in Murray and strategically positioning oneself within the market can significantly impact overall compensation.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
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 $59,826 for school counselorsin the Murray 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 Murray 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