School Counselor Salary in Saint Louis, MO: $54,126 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Saint Louis: What to Expect (2026)

Saint Louis offers a median school counselor salary of $54,126, which is $1,203 above the Missouri state average of $52,923. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Saint Louis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Saint Louis'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 Saint Louis 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 301,578, Saint Louis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Saint Louis by Experience

In Saint Louis, 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

Percentile	Saint Louis	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$34,380	$33,616	$38,200
25th Percentile	$42,300	$41,360	$47,000
Median (50th)	$54,126	$52,923	$60,140
75th Percentile	$68,580	$67,056	$76,200
90th Percentile	$85,320	$83,424	$94,800

Percentile

Saint Louis

10th Percentile

$34,380

25th Percentile

$42,300

Median (50th)

$54,126

75th Percentile

$68,580

90th Percentile

$85,320

How to Become a School Counselor in Saint Louis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Saint Louis

How much does a School Counselor make in Saint Louis, MO? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Saint Louis, Missouri 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 Saint Louis? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,126, a school counselor in Saint Louis earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Saint Louis compare to the Missouri state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Saint Louis's median school counselor salary of $54,126 is 2.3% above the Missouri state average of $52,923. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Saint Louis, MO? ▼

Saint Louis has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $54,126 in Saint Louis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most school counselor positions in Saint Louis 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 Saint Louis, Missouri