School Counselor Salary in Kalispell, MT: $58,356 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Kalispell, MT earns a median $58,356/year (≈ $28.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Kalispell's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $60,661 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for school counselors in Kalispell, Montana, is estimated at $58,356, reflecting a growing demand due to the recent post-COVID mental health funding expansion. This initiative has significantly influenced local hiring, allowing schools to better meet the mental health needs of students. Salary ranges for this role vary widely, starting from $42,505 at the lower end (P10) to $87,053 at the upper tier (P90). These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, offering insight into the local compensation trends for school counseling professionals in Kalispell.
About the Kalispell Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,505 | $20.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,021 | $22.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,356 | $28.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,721 | $34.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,053 | $41.85 |
Median Salary Position
9.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kalispell
In Kalispell, MT, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,548 (2026 est.). At $58,356, the local median is 9.29% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kalispell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kalispell School Counselor Pay Compares
Kalispell median: $58,356/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kalispell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $61,106 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -9.29% less |
School Counselors in Kalispell, MT earn a median of $58,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.29% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 4.50% below the Montana state average of $61,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kalispell has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kalispell, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $58,356 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,661 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,704
2025 BLS Actual
$57,184
2026 Current Est.
$58,356
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Kalispell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,704 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,664 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,788 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,459 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,855 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,114 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,184 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,356 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,553 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kalispell metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $50,704 (2019) to $57,184 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,553 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,849 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kalispell 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) | $42,505 – $47,021 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,021 – $58,356 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,356 – $71,721 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,721 – $87,053 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Kalispell
While Kalispell employs only four school counselors, the area's cost of living index stands at 96.2, indicating that day-to-day expenses are slightly below the national average. This may enhance the purchasing power for professionals earning local salaries. Among the possible employers, K-12 public school districts often offer competitive pay aligned with established step-and-lane salary structures, which consider years of experience and educational qualifications. Factors such as school district funding levels, necessary regional adjustments, and additional stipends can drive salary disparities. To maximize earning potential, aspiring counselors should focus on continuing education, explore opportunities for leadership roles within their districts, and engage in summer programs that further enhance their expertise and compensation. Understanding how much do school counselors make in Kalispell can help inform career decisions in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Kalispell, MT:
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 $57,184 for school counselorsin the Kalispell 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 Kalispell 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