Creative & Education Iowa City, IA Pop. 74,828

School Counselor Salary in Iowa City, Iowa

The median school counselor salary in Iowa City, IA is $57,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the Iowa state average.

City Median
$57,133
vs State Avg
+$3,608
vs National
$-3,007
Cost of Living
95%

School Counselor Pay in Iowa City: What to Expect (2026)

Iowa City offers a median school counselor salary of $57,133, which is $3,608 above the Iowa state average of $53,525. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Iowa City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Iowa City's cost of living is 95% 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 Iowa City spans from $36,290 at the 10th percentile to $90,060 at the 90th percentile — a $53,770 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. Iowa City is a smaller market (pop. 74,828), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Iowa City by Experience

In Iowa City, an entry-level school counselor earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,000
$-3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Iowa City, IA

Percentile Iowa City
10th Percentile $36,290
25th Percentile $44,650
Median (50th) $57,133
75th Percentile $72,390
90th Percentile $90,060

School Counselor Salary in Other Iowa Cities

Des Moines, IA
$55,329
Pop. 214,133
Cedar Rapids, IA
$52,923
Pop. 137,710
Davenport, IA
$51,720
Pop. 101,724
Sioux City, IA
$50,518
Pop. 85,797

How to Become a School Counselor in Iowa City

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Iowa City

Browse open school counselor positions in Iowa City, IA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Iowa City

How much does a School Counselor make in Iowa City, IA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Iowa City, Iowa is $57,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $36,290 (10th percentile) to $90,060 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Iowa City? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,133, a school counselor in Iowa City earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Iowa City compare to the Iowa state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Iowa City's median school counselor salary of $57,133 is 6.7% above the Iowa state average of $53,525. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Iowa City, IA? ▼
Iowa City has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $57,133 in Iowa City has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Iowa City? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Iowa City 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.