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School Counselor Salary in La Crosse, WI

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

Median Salary
$60,485
per year in La Crosse
Entry Level
$40,654
Starting salary
Senior Level
$83,291
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
88
12% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$40,654$60,485$83,291
Monthly$3,388$5,040$6,941
Biweekly$1,564$2,326$3,204
Weekly$782$1,163$1,602
Hourly$20$29$40

La Crosse vs National Average

How La Crosse's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

La Crosse Salary
$60,485
COL Index: 88
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$15,885
Lower in La Crosse

Cost of Living in La Crosse

1-Bedroom Rent
$850
per month
Median Income
$44,820
per year
Population
52,680
residents
Rent % of Income
22.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in La Crosse 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
+29%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+42%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
+6%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+24%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
0%

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School Counselor Salary in La Crosse, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in La Crosse, WI is $60,485 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering La Crosse's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in La Crosse can expect to earn around $40,654 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $83,291 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

La Crosse's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in La Crosse 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 La Crosse typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $850 per month, housing represents about 16.9% 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 La Crosse, 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.