School Counselor Salary in Rock Island, IL: $57,478 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Rock Island, IL earns a median $57,478/year (≈ $27.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Rock Island's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $59,195 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rock Island, Illinois, school counselors are projected to earn a median annual salary of $57,478 in 2026, which is about 10.66% lower than the national median of $64,335. The salary range varies significantly, from a lower percentile of $39,500 to an upper threshold of $88,826, reflecting diverse roles and qualifications among school counselors in the area. Local figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost of living. Given the existing step-and-lane structure that mirrors K-12 pay scales, candidates with a master's degree may find themselves positioned differently on the salary matrix compared to those holding additional credits or a doctorate. This market landscape for school counselor salary in Rock Island reveals opportunities across various educational settings, impacted by both experience and further education.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,500 | $18.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,123 | $23.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,478 | $27.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,144 | $34.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,826 | $42.71 |
Median Salary Position
10.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island
In Rock Island, IL, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,326 (2026 est.). At $57,478, the local median is 10.66% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rock Island: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rock Island School Counselor Pay Compares
Rock Island median: $57,478/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rock Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $57,708 | -0.40% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -10.66% less |
School Counselors in Rock Island, IL earn a median of $57,478 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.66% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.40% below the Illinois state average of $57,708.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rock Island 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.
Rock Island, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $57,478 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,195 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,940
2025 BLS Actual
$56,323
2026 Current Est.
$57,478
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,940 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,886 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,978 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,655 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,029 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,173 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,323 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,478 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rock Island metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $49,940 (2019) to $56,323 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,716 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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) | $39,500 – $48,123 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,123 – $57,478 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,478 – $72,144 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,144 – $88,826 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Rock Island
The local job market shows a modest employment level, with only five school counselors currently working in Rock Island. This limited number indicates a more concentrated market, where the cost of living index of 97.1 suggests that take-home pay may stretch slightly further than in higher-cost areas. School counselors in Rock Island, particularly those employed by K-12 public school districts, are likely to see the most competitive salaries due to established pay structures. Factors contributing to the salary range include the educational qualifications of the counselor, such as placements on the master's, master's +30, and doctorate columns, as well as additional responsibilities that can come with extended school year contracts or coaching roles. To maximize their earning potential, aspiring counselors should consider gaining experience through internship opportunities, pursuing advanced certifications, and being open to roles that offer stipends for extra duties or leadership positions.
More salary data for Rock Island, 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 $56,323 for school counselorsin the Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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