Home / City Job Salaries / School Counselor in Spearfish

School Counselor Salary in Spearfish, SD

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

Median Salary
$55,109
per year in Spearfish
Entry Level
$37,040
Starting salary
Senior Level
$75,887
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 Spearfish.

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

Spearfish vs National Average

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

Spearfish Salary
$55,109
COL Index: 88
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$21,261
Lower in Spearfish

Cost of Living in Spearfish

1-Bedroom Rent
$820
per month
Median Income
$42,821
per year
Population
12,540
residents
Rent % of Income
23.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 88 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Spearfish 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

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a school counselor salary in Spearfish.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Spearfish.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Spearfish.

School Counselor Salary in Spearfish, SD — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Spearfish, SD is $55,109 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 88. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Spearfish's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Spearfish 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

Spearfish's cost of living index of 88 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Spearfish 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 Spearfish typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $820 per month, housing represents about 17.9% 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 Spearfish, 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.