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School Counselor Salary in Council Bluffs, IA

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

Median Salary
$51,977
per year in Council Bluffs
Entry Level
$34,936
Starting salary
Senior Level
$71,575
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
83
17% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how school counselor salaries break down across different pay periods in Council Bluffs.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$34,936$51,977$71,575
Monthly$2,911$4,331$5,965
Biweekly$1,344$1,999$2,753
Weekly$672$1,000$1,376
Hourly$17$25$34

Council Bluffs vs National Average

How Council Bluffs's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

Council Bluffs Salary
$51,977
COL Index: 83
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$24,393
Lower in Council Bluffs

Cost of Living in Council Bluffs

1-Bedroom Rent
$700
per month
Median Income
$48,123
per year
Population
62,230
residents
Rent % of Income
17.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 83 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Council Bluffs 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
+50%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+65%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
+23%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+45%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
+16%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Council Bluffs, IA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Council Bluffs, IA is $51,977 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 83. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Council Bluffs's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Council Bluffs can expect to earn around $34,936 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $71,575 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Council Bluffs's cost of living index of 83 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Council Bluffs 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 Council Bluffs typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $700 per month, housing represents about 16.2% 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 Council Bluffs, 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.