Creative & Education Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

School Counselor Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median school counselor salary in Indianapolis, IN is $55,930 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$55,930
vs State Avg
+$1,804
vs National
$-4,210
Cost of Living
93%

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

Indianapolis offers a median school counselor salary of $55,930, which is $1,804 above the Indiana state average of $54,126. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% 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 Indianapolis spans from $35,526 at the 10th percentile to $88,164 at the 90th percentile — a $52,638 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,050. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level school counselor earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,800
$-4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,050
$-5,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $35,526
25th Percentile $43,710
Median (50th) $55,930
75th Percentile $70,866
90th Percentile $88,164

School Counselor Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$63,147
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$51,119
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$50,518
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$49,916
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a School Counselor in Indianapolis

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open school counselor positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a School Counselor make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $55,930 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,526 (10th percentile) to $88,164 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,930, a school counselor in Indianapolis earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median school counselor salary of $55,930 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $54,126. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $55,930 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Indianapolis? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Indianapolis 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.