School Counselor Salary in Topeka, KS: $49,916 (2026)

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

Topeka offers a median school counselor salary of $49,916, which is $2,406 below the Kansas state average of $52,322. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Topeka pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Topeka'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 Topeka an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Topeka 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 127,473, Topeka is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Topeka by Experience

In Topeka, 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

Percentile	Topeka	KS State	National
10th Percentile	$31,706	$33,234	$38,200
25th Percentile	$39,010	$40,890	$47,000
Median (50th)	$49,916	$52,322	$60,140
75th Percentile	$63,246	$66,294	$76,200
90th Percentile	$78,684	$82,476	$94,800

Percentile

Topeka

10th Percentile

$31,706

25th Percentile

$39,010

Median (50th)

$49,916

75th Percentile

$63,246

90th Percentile

$78,684

How to Become a School Counselor in Topeka

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Topeka

How much does a School Counselor make in Topeka, KS? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Topeka, Kansas 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 Topeka? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $49,916, a school counselor in Topeka earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Topeka compare to the Kansas state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Topeka's median school counselor salary of $49,916 is 4.6% below the Kansas state average of $52,322. The local cost of living index is 83% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Topeka, KS? ▼

Topeka has a cost of living index of 83% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $49,916 in Topeka has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Topeka? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Topeka 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.

School Counselor Salary in Topeka, Kansas