School Counselor Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $55,329 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Milwaukee: What to Expect (2026)

Milwaukee offers a median school counselor salary of $55,329, which is $0 above the Wisconsin state average of $55,329. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Milwaukee pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Milwaukee'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 Milwaukee 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 577,222, Milwaukee typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Milwaukee by Experience

In Milwaukee, 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	Milwaukee	WI State	National
10th Percentile	$35,144	$35,144	$38,200
25th Percentile	$43,240	$43,240	$47,000
Median (50th)	$55,329	$55,329	$60,140
75th Percentile	$70,104	$70,104	$76,200
90th Percentile	$87,216	$87,216	$94,800

Percentile

Milwaukee

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 Milwaukee

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Milwaukee

How much does a School Counselor make in Milwaukee, WI? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin 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 Milwaukee? ▼

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

How does Milwaukee compare to the Wisconsin state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Milwaukee's median school counselor salary of $55,329 is 0.0% above the Wisconsin state average of $55,329. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Milwaukee, WI? ▼

Milwaukee has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $55,329 in Milwaukee has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most school counselor positions in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, Wisconsin