School Counselor Salary in Muskegon, MI: $60,166 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Muskegon, MI earns a median $60,166/year (≈ $28.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Muskegon's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.5), that paycheck buys what $65,031 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Muskegon, MI, school counselors can expect to earn a median annual salary of $60,166 in 2026, positioning them slightly lower than the national median of $64,335. The projected salary range for counselors in this area extends from $43,764 at the 10th percentile to $85,358 at the 90th percentile, according to BLS estimates based on 2025 data, projected to 2026. For many in this profession, placement in the salary structure often depends on educational qualifications, such as a master’s degree versus a master’s +30 hours, as well as years of experience reflected within the district’s step-and-lane pay system. With increased recognition of the need for mental health support following recent funding expansions, the demand for skilled school counselors in Muskegon continues to grow, enhancing the local job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,764 | $21.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,314 | $22.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,166 | $28.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,997 | $38.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,358 | $41.04 |
Median Salary Position
6.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Muskegon
In Muskegon, MI, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,594 (2026 est.). At $60,166, the local median is 6.48% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Muskegon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Muskegon School Counselor Pay Compares
Muskegon median: $60,166/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Muskegon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $57,907 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | -6.48% less |
School Counselors in Muskegon, MI earn a median of $60,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.48% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.90% above the Michigan state average of $57,907.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Muskegon has a cost of living 7.48% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Muskegon, MI has a cost-of-living index of 92.519 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $60,166 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,031 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.09% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,200
2025 BLS Actual
$58,957
2026 Current Est.
$60,166
2019–2027 Growth
+-8.6%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Muskegon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,150 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,290 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,957 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,166 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,399 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Muskegon metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew -12.3% from $67,200 (2019) to $58,957 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,399 by 2027 — a total increase of $-5,801 (-8.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Muskegon 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) | $43,764 – $47,314 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,314 – $60,166 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,166 – $79,997 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,997 – $85,358 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Muskegon
Overall, the local job market for school counselors in Muskegon comprises around 130 professionals, which supports a competitive but accessible landscape. With a cost-of-living index at 92.519, salaries may stretch further in Muskegon compared to more expensive regions; however, take-home purchasing power can still be a concern for many. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically provide salaries that reflect the traditional step-and-lane structure, while charter and private schools might offer varied compensation packages. The significant spread in counselor salaries can often be attributed to the pay scale mechanics influenced by experience, education level, and additional roles, such as summer programs or advisory positions. For those seeking to maximize their school counselor pay in Muskegon, enhancing qualifications and pursuing additional certifications can be effective strategies to elevate earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Muskegon, MI:
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 $58,957 for school counselorsin the Muskegon 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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