School Counselor Salary in Fridley, MN: $61,276 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Fridley, MN earns a median $61,276/year (≈ $29.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Fridley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $62,209 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Fridley, Minnesota, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $61,276. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and incorporates regional cost adjustments. The salary range for school counselors varies significantly, with the lowest decile earning approximately $44,464 and the highest approaching $94,978. This post-COVID era has seen a surge in mental health funding, propelling the demand for more counselors in local schools. As a result, schools in Fridley are increasingly looking to hire qualified professionals, positioning the local job market for potential growth and stability.
About the Fridley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,464 | $21.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,499 | $23.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,276 | $29.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,434 | $37.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,978 | $45.67 |
Median Salary Position
4.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fridley
In Fridley, MN, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,514 (2026 est.). At $61,276, the local median is 4.75% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fridley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fridley School Counselor Pay Compares
Fridley median: $61,276/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fridley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $64,637 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -4.75% less |
School Counselors in Fridley, MN earn a median of $61,276 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.75% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $64,637.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fridley has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fridley, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $61,276 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,209 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,241
2025 BLS Actual
$60,045
2026 Current Est.
$61,276
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Fridley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,241 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,249 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,479 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,600 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,397 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,045 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,276 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,532 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fridley metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $53,241 (2019) to $60,045 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,532 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,291 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fridley 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) | $44,464 – $49,499 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,499 – $61,276 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,276 – $78,434 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,434 – $94,978 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Fridley
Currently, Fridley employs five school counselors, highlighting a tight labor market in this area. With a cost of living index at 98.5, these professionals may find that their take-home pay stretches further compared to many US cities. In the community, K-12 public school districts typically provide the most competitive compensation, adhering to the established step-and-lane pay structure based on education and experience. Factors influencing the pay disparity include roles in extended school years, summer programs, and stipends for additional responsibilities like department head or club advisor positions. To maximize their salary potential in Fridley, school counselors should consider advanced credentials beyond the master’s level and actively seek opportunities that align with district funding initiatives aimed at addressing the growing mental health needs of students.
More salary data for Fridley, MN:
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 $60,045 for school counselorsin the Fridley 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 Fridley 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