Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Emporia, KS: $40,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Emporia, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,238 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Emporia's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,266 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($52,910) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Emporia, Kansas, the entry-level school counselor salary is projected to start at approximately $40,238 for new graduates in 2026. This starting figure presents a gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $52,910. Over the first few years, new counselors can see growth in their pay, progressing from the P25 salary of $43,701 towards the median as they gain experience and potentially extend their credentials. Given the current educational climate that includes a 2.05% annual growth rate and increased demand for counseling services due to factors such as post-COVID mental health funding, Emporia presents a reasonable job market for those embarking on their careers as school counselors.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Emporia
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Emporia
Entry-level school counselors in Emporia, KS typically start between $40,238 and $43,701 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $41,772 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $52,910 — 17.76% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Kansas of $32,000 represents just 79.53% of the starting school counselor pay ($40,238/year) in Emporia. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CACREP-accredited master's programs in school counseling. In-state public institutions are the lowest-cost option; private universities carry higher tuition. Totals reflect tuition and required fees; practicum and internship hours are typically unpaid and add opportunity cost. State licensure requirements may mandate additional coursework.
SC, LSC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Emporia
- 1Research the Emporia market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $40,238 to $43,701, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the school counseling field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Emporia, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Emporia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Emporia's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
School Counselor Compensation Range
The school counselor wage spread in Emporia is $41,772 ( 103.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,238, experienced hygienists can earn up to $82,010.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,111
2025 BLS Actual
$39,430
2026 Current Est.
$40,238
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,111 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,197 | Actual |
| 2021 | $32,888 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,527 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,156 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,642 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,430 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,063 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Emporia, KS grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,111 in 2019 to $39,430 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,063. New graduates entering the Emporia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Emporia 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.
Starting Your school counseling Career in Emporia
Local educational institutions that typically hire new graduates include public school districts, which often employ school counselors under step-and-lane pay structures that correspond with educational levels, ensuring a predictable path for salary progression. Charter schools may offer competitive pay but lack the same tenure benefits as traditional districts. Furthermore, those holding a master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program and a valid state school counselor certification may enhance their starting salaries. Internships and additional training can further bolster prospects. With school counselor-to-student ratios still a concern—averaging 1:385 against the ASCA’s recommended ratio of 1:250—new counselors can expect steady increases in pay throughout the first few years, fueled by a robust national push for mental health support in schools.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new school counseling graduates. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Emporia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Emporia 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