Creative & Education Grand Rapids, MI Pop. 198,917

School Counselor Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The median school counselor salary in Grand Rapids, MI is $54,126 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 0.0% above the Michigan state average.

City Median
$54,126
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,014
Cost of Living
90%

School Counselor Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Rapids offers a median school counselor salary of $54,126, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $54,126. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $34,380 at the 10th percentile to $85,320 at the 90th percentile — a $50,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,500. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,000
$-6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Rapids, MI

Percentile Grand Rapids
10th Percentile $34,380
25th Percentile $42,300
Median (50th) $54,126
75th Percentile $68,580
90th Percentile $85,320

School Counselor Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$63,147
Pop. 123,851
Detroit, MI
$52,923
Pop. 639,111
Warren, MI
$52,923
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$51,720
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a School Counselor in Grand Rapids

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Grand Rapids

Browse open school counselor positions in Grand Rapids, MI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a School Counselor make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $54,126 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $34,380 (10th percentile) to $85,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Grand Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,126, a school counselor in Grand Rapids earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Grand Rapids's median school counselor salary of $54,126 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $54,126. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $54,126 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Grand Rapids? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Grand Rapids 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.