Creative & Education Nebraska (NE) Rank #36 of 50

School Counselor Salary in Nebraska

The median school counselor salary in Nebraska is $54,126 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$54,126
vs National
$-6,014
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

School Counselor Salary Overview in Nebraska (2026)

Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for school counselor compensation. School Counselor salaries in Nebraska are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,126 per year, school counselors in Nebraska earn $6,014 less than the national median of $60,140.

A key advantage of working in Nebraska is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $54,126 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,140 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Nebraska is significant: school counselors at the 10th percentile earn $34,380, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,320 — a $50,940 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Nebraska for this role is Omaha, where the median reaches $55,930.

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for school counselors across the country.

School Counselor Salary in Nebraska by Experience

In Nebraska, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,500 per year. The cost of living index in Nebraska 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

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Salary Percentiles in Nebraska

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

School Counselor Salary by City in Nebraska

The largest employment areas for school counselors in Nebraska include Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a School Counselor in Nebraska

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Nebraska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in Nebraska

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Nebraska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Nebraska

How much does a School Counselor make in Nebraska? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Nebraska 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 Nebraska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,126, a school counselor in Nebraska earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Nebraska a good state for school counselors? ▼
Nebraska ranks #36 out of 50 states for school counselor pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level school counselors earn $36,000, while senior professionals earn $76,500.
How does Nebraska compare to other states for school counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for school counselors is Hawaii at $102,238. Nebraska's median of $54,126 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Indiana ($54,126) and Michigan ($54,126).
What is the entry-level school counselor salary in Nebraska? ▼
An entry-level school counselor in Nebraska earns approximately $36,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $54,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,500.
What city in Nebraska pays school counselors the most? ▼
Omaha is the highest paying city in Nebraska for school counselors, with a median salary of $55,930. Other cities include Lincoln and Bellevue.