School Counselor Salary in Romulus, MI: $53,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Romulus, MI earns a median $53,540/year (≈ $25.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Romulus's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $57,446 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Romulus, MI, can expect a median annual compensation of $53,540, which is significantly lower than the national median of $64,335, positioning local pay at approximately 16.78% below the national norm. While the overall salary range for this role spans from $40,870 to $81,680, these figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local living costs, which are currently reflected in a cost-of-living index of 93.2. This index indicates a generally lower living expense in Romulus compared to the national average, suggesting that the school counselor salary in Romulus may offer adequate purchasing power relative to the local economy, even with the lower median pay. The notable disparity between local and national pay may be influenced by a limited job market consisting of only five employed school counselors, likely shaped by staffing needs and district funding.
About the Romulus Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,870 | $19.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,333 | $21.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,540 | $25.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,921 | $32.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,680 | $39.27 |
Median Salary Position
16.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Romulus
In Romulus, MI, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,810 (2026 est.). At $53,540, the local median is 16.78% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Romulus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Romulus School Counselor Pay Compares
Romulus median: $53,540/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Romulus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $57,881 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -16.78% less |
School Counselors in Romulus, MI earn a median of $53,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.78% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 7.50% below the Michigan state average of $57,881.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Romulus has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Romulus, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $53,540 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,446 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,519
2025 BLS Actual
$52,464
2026 Current Est.
$53,540
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Romulus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,519 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,399 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,349 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,047 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,327 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,885 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,464 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,637 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Romulus metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $46,519 (2019) to $52,464 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,637 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,118 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Romulus 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) | $40,870 – $44,333 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,333 – $53,540 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,540 – $66,921 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,921 – $81,680 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Romulus
Focusing on the local job market, the presence of only five school counselors indicates a smaller pool of professional competition, which might create unique opportunities for those entering the field. The cost of living index of 93.2 suggests that while salary figures are lower than average, the relative affordability of living in Romulus allows for decent take-home value. Employers in the area, such as K-12 public school districts, charter networks, and private schools, typically follow a step-and-lane pay structure based on years of experience and educational level, creating variability in compensation. Those aiming to maximize their school counselor pay in Romulus MI should consider advancing their education beyond a master's degree, as those with higher qualifications may secure positions at the top of the pay scale. Additionally, participating in extended school year contracts or taking on stipend roles, such as department heads or club advisors, can further enhance earning potential within the district.
More salary data for Romulus, 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 $52,464 for school counselorsin the Romulus 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 Romulus 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