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School Counselor Salary in Madison, WI

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

Median Salary
$70,795
per year in Madison
Entry Level
$47,584
Starting salary
Senior Level
$97,488
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
103
3% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$47,584$70,795$97,488
Monthly$3,965$5,900$8,124
Biweekly$1,830$2,723$3,750
Weekly$915$1,361$1,875
Hourly$23$34$47

Madison vs National Average

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

Madison Salary
$70,795
COL Index: 103
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$5,575
Lower in Madison

Cost of Living in Madison

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,350
per month
Median Income
$57,456
per year
Population
269,840
residents
Rent % of Income
28.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 103 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Madison 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
+10%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+21%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-10%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+6%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-15%

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School Counselor Salary in Madison, WI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Madison, WI is $70,795 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 103. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Madison's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Madison can expect to earn around $47,584 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $97,488 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Madison's cost of living index of 103 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Madison 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 Madison typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,350 per month, housing represents about 22.9% 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 Madison, 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.