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School Counselor Salary in Dayton, OH

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

Median Salary
$55,109
per year in Dayton
Entry Level
$37,040
Starting salary
Senior Level
$75,887
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
82
18% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,040$55,109$75,887
Monthly$3,087$4,592$6,324
Biweekly$1,425$2,120$2,919
Weekly$712$1,060$1,459
Hourly$18$26$36

Dayton vs National Average

How Dayton's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

Dayton Salary
$55,109
COL Index: 82
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$21,261
Lower in Dayton

Cost of Living in Dayton

1-Bedroom Rent
$800
per month
Median Income
$34,560
per year
Population
137,644
residents
Rent % of Income
27.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 82 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Dayton 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
+41%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+55%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
+16%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+36%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
+10%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Dayton, OH — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Dayton, OH is $55,109 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 82. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Dayton's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Dayton can expect to earn around $37,040 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $75,887 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Dayton's cost of living index of 82 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Dayton 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 Dayton typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $800 per month, housing represents about 17.4% 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 Dayton, 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.