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School Counselor Salary in Laurel, MT

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

Median Salary
$56,483
per year in Laurel
Entry Level
$37,964
Starting salary
Senior Level
$77,780
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 Laurel.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,964$56,483$77,780
Monthly$3,164$4,707$6,482
Biweekly$1,460$2,172$2,992
Weekly$730$1,086$1,496
Hourly$18$27$37

Laurel vs National Average

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

Laurel Salary
$56,483
COL Index: 86
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$19,887
Lower in Laurel

Cost of Living in Laurel

1-Bedroom Rent
$800
per month
Median Income
$48,821
per year
Population
7,310
residents
Rent % of Income
19.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 86 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Laurel 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
+38%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+52%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
+13%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+33%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
+7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Laurel, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Laurel, MT is $56,483 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 86. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Laurel's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Laurel can expect to earn around $37,964 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $77,780 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Laurel's cost of living index of 86 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Laurel 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 Laurel typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $800 per month, housing represents about 17.0% 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 Laurel, 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.