Creative & Education Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

School Counselor Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median school counselor salary in Springfield, IL is $51,119 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$51,119
vs State Avg
$-6,014
vs National
$-9,021
Cost of Living
85%

School Counselor Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median school counselor salary of $51,119, which is $6,014 below the Illinois state average of $57,133. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $51,119 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Springfield spans from $32,470 at the 10th percentile to $80,580 at the 90th percentile — a $48,110 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,250. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level school counselor earns around $34,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,250
$-12,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $32,470
25th Percentile $39,950
Median (50th) $51,119
75th Percentile $64,770
90th Percentile $80,580

School Counselor Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$64,951
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$64,350
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$57,133
Pop. 197,757
Rockford, IL
$49,315
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a School Counselor in Springfield

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Springfield 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 Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find School Counselor Jobs in Springfield

Browse open school counselor positions in Springfield, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Springfield

How much does a School Counselor make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Springfield, Illinois is $51,119 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $32,470 (10th percentile) to $80,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,119, a school counselor in Springfield earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Springfield's median school counselor salary of $51,119 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $57,133. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $51,119 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Springfield? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Springfield 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.