Senior School Counselor Salary in Lawrence, KS: $82,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Lawrence, KS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,557/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Lawrence's price premium (BEA RPP 90.2, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $91,483 in average-cost America. The 62% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lawrence, Kansas, the potential for seasoned school counselors to significantly enhance their earnings is notable. With experience, top earners can expect salaries reaching up to $82,557 in 2026, compared to the median salary of $50,855. This substantial gap reflects the experience premium associated with advanced roles in school counseling, where a seasoned professional can earn nearly 62% more than their less experienced counterparts. Achieving this high level of compensation typically requires not only years of hands-on experience but also specialized training and roles that align with the current needs of students and the educational system.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Lawrence earn between $64,596 and $82,557 per year (2026 est.). This $33,003 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Lawrence median of $50,855 sits 20.95% below the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Lawrence | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $50,855 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,596 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,557 | $104,780 |
In Lawrence, experienced school counselors (P90) earn 62.34% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top School Counselor Pay in Lawrence
Advanced Certifications in Kansas
KS school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $50,855 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Lawrence employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Lawrence command premium compensation, often reaching the $64,596–$82,557 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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 Kansas 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 Lawrence
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedLawrence ranks #17 of 22 Kansas cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $82,557).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Lawrence ($82,557) is 6.79% above the Kansas average P90 ($77,310).
2019 BLS Actual
$60,020
2025 BLS Actual
$80,899
2026 Current Est.
$82,557
2019–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,580 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,300 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,250 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Lawrence saw their compensation grow 34.8% from $60,020 in 2019 to $80,899 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 $84,250 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Scholarship opportunities exist for experienced counselors in Lawrence where specializations can command premium pay. Areas such as high school college counseling, mental health and trauma-informed practices, advocacy for English language learners (ELL), and career and technical education (CTE) coordinator roles are often at the forefront. Compensation varies significantly across different employer types, with public school districts, private institutions, and Department of Defense schools offering diverse pay scales and incentives. In this environment, paths for career advancement such as lead school counselor or district counseling coordinator present lucrative opportunities. Furthermore, advanced credentials, such as a Master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program, can greatly enhance earning potential. Non-salary compensation factors, including step-and-lane pay scales and paid summer initiatives, also contribute to the overall financial landscape for senior school counselors in KS.
More salary data for Lawrence, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Lawrence in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Lawrence?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Lawrence?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Lawrence?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Lawrence?
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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 $80,899 for school counselors in the Lawrence 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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