Creative & Education Independence, MO Pop. 123,011

School Counselor Salary in Independence, Missouri

The median school counselor salary in Independence, MO is $51,119 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.4% below the Missouri state average.

City Median
$51,119
vs State Avg
$-1,804
vs National
$-9,021
Cost of Living
85%

School Counselor Salary in Independence by Experience

In Independence, an entry-level school counselor earns around $34,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,250
$-12,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Independence, MO

Percentile Independence
10th Percentile $32,470
25th Percentile $39,950
Median (50th) $51,119
75th Percentile $64,770
90th Percentile $80,580

School Counselor Salary in Other Missouri Cities

Kansas City, MO
$55,329
Pop. 508,090
Saint Louis, MO
$54,126
Pop. 301,578
Columbia, MO
$52,923
Pop. 126,254
Springfield, MO
$49,315
Pop. 169,176

How to Become a School Counselor in Independence

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Independence

Browse open school counselor positions in Independence, MO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Independence

How much does a School Counselor make in Independence, MO? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Independence, Missouri is $51,119 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $32,470 (10th percentile) to $80,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Independence? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,119, a school counselor in Independence earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Independence compare to the Missouri state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Independence's median school counselor salary of $51,119 is 3.4% below the Missouri state average of $52,923. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Independence, MO? ▼
Independence has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $51,119 in Independence has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Independence? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Independence 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.