School Counselor Salary in Faribault, MN: $61,028 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Faribault, MN earns a median $61,028/year (≈ $29.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Faribault's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $61,957 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Faribault, MN, can expect a median annual salary of $61,028, which is slightly lower than the national median of $64,335. The salary range for these professionals in the area extends from $43,587 at the 10th percentile to $94,593 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflect the local market conditions and the cost of living, which is indexed at 98.5—indicating a more affordable setting compared to the national average. Given the step-and-lane salary structure commonly used in K-12 education, counselors with advanced degrees or additional experience may find themselves earning towards the higher end of this spectrum.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,587 | $20.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,351 | $23.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,028 | $29.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,872 | $37.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,593 | $45.47 |
Median Salary Position
5.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault
In Faribault, MN, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,006 (2026 est.). At $61,028, the local median is 5.14% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Faribault: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Faribault School Counselor Pay Compares
Faribault median: $61,028/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Faribault Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $64,580 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -5.14% less |
School Counselors in Faribault, MN earn a median of $61,028 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.14% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 5.50% below the Minnesota state average of $64,580.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Faribault has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Faribault, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $61,028 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,957 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,025
2025 BLS Actual
$59,802
2026 Current Est.
$61,028
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,025 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,029 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,907 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,366 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,132 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,802 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,028 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,279 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Faribault metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $53,025 (2019) to $59,802 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,279 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,254 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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) | $43,587 – $48,351 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,351 – $61,028 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,028 – $77,872 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,872 – $94,593 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Faribault
Local employment dynamics reveal that there are currently six school counselors in Faribault, which illustrates a competitive but limited job market. The cost of living index suggests that while salaries may be slightly below national averages, the purchasing power remains adequate. Within the city's educational framework, K-12 public school districts are the primary employers, and pay may vary significantly depending on experience and academic credentials. Factors like years spent in the field, educational qualifications such as a master's or master's+30, and additional duties like summer programs or advisory roles can amplify earnings. To enhance salary prospects in Faribault, aspiring counselors should focus on professional development, consider pursuing higher education, and seek positions in districts that may offer competitive stipends or specialized roles.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
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 $59,802 for school counselorsin the Faribault 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 Faribault 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