Finance, manufacturing, healthcare — Midwest's premier hub. Here's how School Counselors in Chicago get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Chicago metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $54,700 | $41,500 | $71,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $68,000 | $51,600 | $88,400 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $78,200 | $59,400 | $101,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $93,800 | $71,200 | $122,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $106,300 | $80,700 | $138,300 |
Highest-paying metros for School Counselors — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Chicago metro economy.
The average School Counselor salary in the Chicago metro is $78,200 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $59,400 to $101,700 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $129,100 or more.
Yes — Chicago pays +4% relative to the Illinois state median for School Counselors. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Chicago vs. national: +13%. That puts Chicago among the stronger US markets for School Counselors — though cost of living in Chicago is also typically elevated.
In Chicago, the median School Counselor salary of $78,200 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level School Counselors in Chicago start around $54,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $93,800 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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