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School Counselor Salary in Kearney, NE

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

Median Salary
$53,856
per year in Kearney
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 Kearney.

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

Kearney vs National Average

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

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

Cost of Living in Kearney

1-Bedroom Rent
$750
per month
Median Income
$48,234
per year
Population
34,566
residents
Rent % of Income
18.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 86 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Kearney 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%

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School Counselor Salary in Kearney, NE — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Kearney, NE 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 Kearney's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Kearney 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

Kearney's cost of living index of 86 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Kearney 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 Kearney typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $750 per month, housing represents about 16.7% 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 Kearney, 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.