Creative & Education South Bend, IN Pop. 103,453

School Counselor Salary in South Bend, Indiana

The median school counselor salary in South Bend, IN is $49,916 per year, which is 17% below the national median and 7.8% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$49,916
vs State Avg
$-4,210
vs National
$-10,224
Cost of Living
83%

School Counselor Pay in South Bend: What to Expect (2026)

South Bend offers a median school counselor salary of $49,916, which is $4,210 below the Indiana state average of $54,126. Compared to the national median of $60,140, South Bend pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of South Bend's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 83% of the national average. This means the $49,916 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes South Bend an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in South Bend spans from $31,706 at the 10th percentile to $78,684 at the 90th percentile — a $46,978 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $70,550. With a population of 103,453, South Bend is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in South Bend by Experience

In South Bend, an entry-level school counselor earns around $33,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,550 per year. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,200
$-6,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,800
$-10,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,550
$-14,450 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Bend, IN

Percentile South Bend
10th Percentile $31,706
25th Percentile $39,010
Median (50th) $49,916
75th Percentile $63,246
90th Percentile $78,684

School Counselor Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$63,147
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$55,930
Pop. 887,642
Fort Wayne, IN
$51,119
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$50,518
Pop. 117,429

How to Become a School Counselor in South Bend

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in South Bend

Browse open school counselor positions in South Bend, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in South Bend

How much does a School Counselor make in South Bend, IN? ▼
The median school counselor salary in South Bend, Indiana is $49,916 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $31,706 (10th percentile) to $78,684 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in South Bend? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,916, a school counselor in South Bend earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Bend compare to the Indiana state average for school counselor pay? ▼
South Bend's median school counselor salary of $49,916 is 7.8% below the Indiana state average of $54,126. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Bend, IN? ▼
South Bend has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $49,916 in South Bend has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in South Bend? ▼
Most school counselor positions in South Bend 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.