School Counselor Salary in Wooster, OH: $59,026 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Wooster, OH earns a median $59,026/year (≈ $28.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Wooster's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $65,078 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Wooster, Ohio, can expect an estimated median annual salary of $59,026, which is slightly below the national median of $64,335. The salary range for this profession in Wooster varies significantly from $44,763 at the 10th percentile to as high as $91,490 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost dynamics, reflect the step-and-lane pay structure characteristic of K-12 education systems. Counselors with advanced degrees or those who have accrued more experience may find themselves earning towards the higher end of this spectrum, while entry-level counselors could be at the lower side. Given the local demand for mental health resources in schools, the job market holds potential for growth and higher salaries as districts adjust their hiring practices in response to increased funding.
About the Wooster Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,763 | $21.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,109 | $23.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,026 | $28.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,697 | $35.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,490 | $43.98 |
Median Salary Position
8.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wooster
In Wooster, OH, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,727 (2026 est.). At $59,026, the local median is 8.25% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wooster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wooster School Counselor Pay Compares
Wooster median: $59,026/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wooster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $60,977 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -8.25% less |
School Counselors in Wooster, OH earn a median of $59,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.25% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.20% below the Ohio state average of $60,977.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wooster has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wooster, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $59,026 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,078 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,285
2025 BLS Actual
$57,840
2026 Current Est.
$59,026
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Wooster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,285 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,257 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,405 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,073 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,484 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,174 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,026 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,236 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wooster metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $51,285 (2019) to $57,840 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,236 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,951 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wooster 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) | $44,763 – $49,109 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,109 – $59,026 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,026 – $73,697 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,697 – $91,490 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Wooster
Looking at the broader employment context, Wooster employs six school counselors, which indicates a relatively small yet stable job market. With a cost-of-living index of 90.7, the purchasing power of a school counselor's salary is more favorable compared to many national averages. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive salaries, while charter schools and private institutions may fall slightly behind. The salary disparity here can often be attributed to the step-and-lane pay scale that rewards experience and educational attainment. Opportunities for financial advancement exist through extended school year contracts, summer programs, and additional stipends for leadership roles or extracurricular involvement. To maximize earning potential in Wooster, counselors should consider pursuing higher qualifications and taking on diverse responsibilities within their roles, aligning their skills with the growing emphasis on mental health in schools.
More salary data for Wooster, OH:
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 $57,840 for school counselorsin the Wooster 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 Wooster 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