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 Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median school counselor salary of $64,350, which is $7,217 above the Illinois state average of $57,133. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for school counselors in Chicago spans from $40,874 at the 10th percentile to $101,436 at the 90th percentile — a $60,562 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,950. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

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

Naperville, IL
$64,951
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$57,133
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$51,119
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$49,315
Pop. 148,655

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.

Find School Counselor Jobs in Chicago

Browse open school counselor positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Chicago

How much does a School Counselor make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Chicago, Illinois is $64,350 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $40,874 (10th percentile) to $101,436 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $64,350, a school counselor in Chicago earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Chicago's median school counselor salary of $64,350 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $57,133. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $64,350 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Chicago? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Chicago require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.