School Counselor Salary in Owensboro, KY: $49,315 (2026)

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

Owensboro offers a median school counselor salary of $49,315, which is $3,007 below the Kentucky state average of $52,322. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Owensboro pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Owensboro's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $49,315 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Owensboro an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Owensboro spans from $31,324 at the 10th percentile to $77,736 at the 90th percentile — a $46,412 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,700. Owensboro is a smaller market (pop. 60,183), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Owensboro by Experience

In Owensboro, an entry-level school counselor earns around $32,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$32,800

$-7,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$49,200

$-10,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$69,700

$-15,300 vs national

Percentile	Owensboro	KY State	National
10th Percentile	$31,324	$33,234	$38,200
25th Percentile	$38,540	$40,890	$47,000
Median (50th)	$49,315	$52,322	$60,140
75th Percentile	$62,484	$66,294	$76,200
90th Percentile	$77,736	$82,476	$94,800

Percentile

Owensboro

10th Percentile

$31,324

25th Percentile

$38,540

Median (50th)

$49,315

75th Percentile

$62,484

90th Percentile

$77,736

How to Become a School Counselor in Owensboro

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Owensboro

How much does a School Counselor make in Owensboro, KY? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Owensboro, Kentucky is $49,315 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $31,324 (10th percentile) to $77,736 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Owensboro? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $49,315, a school counselor in Owensboro earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Owensboro compare to the Kentucky state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Owensboro's median school counselor salary of $49,315 is 5.7% below the Kentucky state average of $52,322. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Owensboro, KY? ▼

Owensboro has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $49,315 in Owensboro has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most school counselor positions in Owensboro 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 Owensboro, Kentucky