School Counselor Salary in Quincy, IL: $56,018 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Quincy, IL earns a median $56,018/year (≈ $26.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Quincy's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $57,691 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected school counselor salary in Quincy, IL, stands at $56,018, which reflects the impact of increased mental health funding aimed at addressing the post-COVID landscape. This amount falls significantly below the national average of $64,335, showing that local salaries can diverge from broader trends. Within Quincy, there is a salary range from $38,358 at the 10th percentile to $86,828 at the 90th percentile, indicating a varied compensation landscape for school counselors in this region. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional economic conditions, highlighting the distinct market situation in Quincy as it navigates ongoing changes in educational funding and staffing needs.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,358 | $18.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,553 | $21.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,018 | $26.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,703 | $34.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,828 | $41.75 |
Median Salary Position
12.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
In Quincy, IL, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,470 (2026 est.). At $56,018, the local median is 12.93% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Quincy: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Quincy School Counselor Pay Compares
Quincy median: $56,018/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Quincy Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $57,751 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -12.93% less |
School Counselors in Quincy, IL earn a median of $56,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.93% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $57,751.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Quincy has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Quincy, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $56,018 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,691 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,672
2025 BLS Actual
$54,893
2026 Current Est.
$56,018
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,672 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,633 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,318 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,657 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,075 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,893 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,018 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,167 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Quincy metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $48,672 (2019) to $54,893 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,167 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,495 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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) | $38,358 – $45,553 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,553 – $56,018 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,018 – $71,703 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,703 – $86,828 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Quincy
The job market for school counselors in Quincy currently employs six professionals, a modest but stable figure that reflects local demand and competition. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, counselors may find their purchasing power somewhat constrained compared to larger urban areas. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts tend to offer more competitive compensation, following the step-and-lane salary structure that aligns with experience and educational attainment. Key factors affecting pay differences include the district's funding levels, various academic degrees, and additional roles or stipends offered. Counselors aiming for higher wages might consider pursuing additional education, taking on extra responsibilities, or seeking employment in higher-paying districts, which can provide better financial rewards compared to other positions available in Quincy.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
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 $54,893 for school counselorsin the Quincy 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 Quincy 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