Home / City Job Salaries / School Counselor in Cedar Falls

School Counselor Salary in Cedar Falls, IA

How much does a school counselor make in Cedar Falls? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Cedar Falls's cost of living.

Median Salary
$53,856
per year in Cedar Falls
Entry Level
$36,199
Starting salary
Senior Level
$74,162
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
86
14% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how school counselor salaries break down across different pay periods in Cedar Falls.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$36,199$53,856$74,162
Monthly$3,017$4,488$6,180
Biweekly$1,392$2,071$2,852
Weekly$696$1,036$1,426
Hourly$17$26$36

Cedar Falls vs National Average

How Cedar Falls's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

Cedar Falls Salary
$53,856
COL Index: 86
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$22,514
Lower in Cedar Falls

Cost of Living in Cedar Falls

1-Bedroom Rent
$740
per month
Median Income
$42,234
per year
Population
41,105
residents
Rent % of Income
21.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 86 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Cedar Falls have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About School Counselor

Overview

Provide counseling and guidance services to students.

Education

Master's degree in School Counseling; Certification required

Key Skills

CounselingStudent SupportCrisis InterventionCollege/Career Guidance

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: School Counselor Salary

See School Counselor salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$77,970
+45%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+59%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
+19%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+40%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
+12%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a school counselor salary in Cedar Falls.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Cedar Falls.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Cedar Falls.

School Counselor Salary in Cedar Falls, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Cedar Falls, IA is $53,856 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 86. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Cedar Falls's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Cedar Falls can expect to earn around $36,199 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $74,162 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Cedar Falls's cost of living index of 86 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Cedar Falls are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,370, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a school counselor's salary in Cedar Falls typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $740 per month, housing represents about 16.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

School Counselors are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 13% over the next decade. In Cedar Falls, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.