School Counselor Salary in Kansas City, MO: $55,329 (2026)

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

Kansas City offers a median school counselor salary of $55,329, which is $2,406 above the Missouri state average of $52,923. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Kansas City pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kansas City's cost of living is 92% 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 Kansas City spans from $35,144 at the 10th percentile to $87,216 at the 90th percentile — a $52,072 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,200. As a major metro area with a population of 508,090, Kansas City typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Kansas City by Experience

In Kansas City, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,800

$-3,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,200

$-4,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$78,200

$-6,800 vs national

Percentile	Kansas City	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$35,144	$33,616	$38,200
25th Percentile	$43,240	$41,360	$47,000
Median (50th)	$55,329	$52,923	$60,140
75th Percentile	$70,104	$67,056	$76,200
90th Percentile	$87,216	$83,424	$94,800

Percentile

Kansas City

10th Percentile

$35,144

25th Percentile

$43,240

Median (50th)

$55,329

75th Percentile

$70,104

90th Percentile

$87,216

How to Become a School Counselor in Kansas City

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Kansas City

How much does a School Counselor make in Kansas City, MO? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Kansas City, Missouri is $55,329 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,144 (10th percentile) to $87,216 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $55,329, a school counselor in Kansas City earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Kansas City's median school counselor salary of $55,329 is 4.5% above the Missouri state average of $52,923. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Kansas City, MO? ▼

Kansas City has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $55,329 in Kansas 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 Kansas City? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Kansas 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.

School Counselor Salary in Kansas City, Missouri