Creative & Education Chicago, IL
Pop. 2,693,976
School Counselor Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median school counselor salary in Chicago, IL is $64,350 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.
City Median
$64,350
vs State Avg
+$7,217
vs National
+$4,210
Cost of Living
107%
School Counselor Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level school counselor earns around $42,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,800
+$2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,200
+$4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,950
+$5,950 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $40,874 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,290 |
| Median (50th) | $64,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,534 |
| 90th Percentile | $101,436 |
School Counselor Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a School Counselor in Chicago
Education
Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment
Job Outlook
Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.