School Counselor Salary in Payson, UT: $57,517 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Payson, UT earns a median $57,517/year (≈ $27.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Payson's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 98.1), that paycheck buys what $58,631 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.1% below the Utah state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Payson, Utah, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $57,517, which falls significantly below the national median of $64,335. The salary range for these professionals in the area varies widely, from $40,508 at the 10th percentile up to $85,966 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels within this profession. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight how the local context influences compensation. With a school counselor-to-student ratio that surpasses the ASCA-recommended 1:250 standard, the market signals an ongoing need for mental health support in schools, particularly in light of expanded funding for counselors post-COVID.
About the Payson Market
Salary estimated from Utah average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,508 | $19.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,714 | $23.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,517 | $27.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,791 | $34.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,966 | $41.33 |
Median Salary Position
10.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Payson
In Payson, UT, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,458 (2026 est.). At $57,517, the local median is 10.6% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Payson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Payson School Counselor Pay Compares
Payson median: $57,517/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Payson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Utah Average | $61,254 | -6.10% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -10.60% less |
School Counselors in Payson, UT earn a median of $57,517 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.60% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 6.10% below the Utah state average of $61,254.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Payson has a cost of living 1.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Payson, UT has a cost-of-living index of 98.1 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $57,517 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,631 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.94% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,975
2025 BLS Actual
$56,362
2026 Current Est.
$57,517
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Payson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,975 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,921 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,015 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,691 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,067 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,277 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,362 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,517 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,697 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Payson metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $49,975 (2019) to $56,362 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,697 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,722 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Payson 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) | $40,508 – $48,714 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,714 – $57,517 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,517 – $70,791 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,791 – $85,966 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Payson
Considering the local job market, there are only six school counselors currently employed in Payson, which may suggest a competitive niche. With a cost-of-living index at 98.1, the relatively lower housing and living expenses could enhance take-home purchasing power, making Payson a viable option for school counselors despite the salary being below national averages. The most lucrative opportunities typically arise within K-12 public school districts, which adhere to a step-and-lane pay scale; pay is determined by years of experience and education level. The difference between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to factors like educational attainment, special roles such as department heads or club advisors, and additional contracts for summer programs. For those in Payson looking to maximize their school counselor pay, pursuing further education, engaging in specialized roles, and negotiating for extended contracts could greatly influence overall compensation.
More salary data for Payson, UT:
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 $56,362 for school counselorsin the Payson 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 Payson 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