Senior School Counselor Salary in Moline, IL: $90,088 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Moline, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $90,088/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Moline's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $92,779 in average-cost America. The 54% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With top earners in Moline projected to command salaries as high as $90,088 in 2026, experienced school counselors have significant earning potential in the region. This figure stands as a notable contrast to the median annual salary of $58,382, illustrating a considerable experience premium for senior professionals. As the demand for specialized counseling grows, particularly in areas such as college readiness and trauma-informed care, those seeking to advance into top-tier pay must focus on enhancing their credentials and acquiring relevant experience. The pathway to achieving these higher salary brackets often requires establishing expertise in high-need areas or taking on additional administrative responsibilities, positioning oneself as a leader within the educational community.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Moline earn between $74,279 and $90,088 per year (2026 est.). This $48,694 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moline median of $58,382 sits 9.25% below the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Moline | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,382 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,279 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $90,088 | $104,780 |
In Moline, experienced school counselors (P90) earn 54.31% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top School Counselor Pay in Moline
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $58,382 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moline employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Moline command premium compensation, often reaching the $74,279–$90,088 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moline metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced school counselors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured school counselors in Moline with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
School Counselors in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
School Counselor Career & Wage Growth Path in Moline
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoline ranks #8 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $90,088).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Moline ($90,088) is 14.59% below the Illinois average P90 ($105,475).
2019 BLS Actual
$80,964
2025 BLS Actual
$88,278
2026 Current Est.
$90,088
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,964 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,498 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,734 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,020 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,301 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,278 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,088 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,934 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Moline saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $80,964 in 2019 to $88,278 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.05% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $91,934 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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.
Maximizing Your School Counselor Earnings in Moline
Additionally, various specializations can significantly influence senior school counselor pay in IL. For instance, roles focused on high school college counseling, career and technical education coordination, or supporting English language learners are increasingly valuable in today's educational landscape. Compensation can also vary substantially based on the type of employer, with public K-12 districts, charter schools, and private institutions offering different salary scales and advancement opportunities. Further career advancement at the senior level may lead to positions like a lead school counselor or district counseling coordinator, where advanced certifications and leadership credentials, like the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification, become essential. Beyond base salary, non-monetary benefits such as summer programs, stipends for extra roles, and district-specific pay structures contribute to the overall compensation landscape for experienced school counselors in Moline.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Moline in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Moline?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Moline?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Moline?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Moline?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $88,278 for school counselors in the Moline metro area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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