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School Counselor Salaries in Idaho — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Idaho pays school counselors a median wage of $60,340 per year — that's $29.01/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 2,010 school counselors make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

School Counselor salaries in Idaho are below the national average by approximately $4,380. Idaho has a state income tax rate of up to 5.8%.

Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for school counselors in Idaho.

Idaho School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Idaho after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Idaho has a state income tax rate of up to 5.8%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$60,340
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$46,955

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Idaho has a state income tax rate of up to 5.8%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Idaho School Counselor Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Idaho median of $60,340.

Your annual salary ($)

School Counselor Salary by Experience — Idaho

Entry Level (0–2 years)$37,400/yr · $17.98/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Idaho.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$53,702/yr · $25.82/hr
Established professional working independently in Idaho. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$66,977/yr · $32.20/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Idaho.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$86,900+/yr · $41.78/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Idaho.
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School Counselor Salary Trend in Idaho — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for school counselors in Idaho: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Idaho's K-12 education.

2021
$52,978
2022
$56,055
+5.8%
2023
$58,650
+4.6%
2024
$59,615
+1.6%
2026
$60,340
+1.2%

School Counselor Salary by City — Idaho

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Boise$67,000$32.21+11.0%703
Nampa$63,950$30.75+6.0%562
Meridian$62,150$29.88+3.0%361
Idaho Falls$57,950$27.86-4.0%180
Pocatello$54,900$26.39-9.0%120
Caldwell$52,500$25.24-13.0%80

Tip: Boise offers the highest school counselor salaries in Idaho at $67,000/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Idaho vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Idaho sits in the mid-range for school counselors.

Idaho — 5.8% state income tax$60,340 gross~$46,955 take-home
Montana — 6.75%$59,480 gross-1.4% vs ID
Wyoming — no state tax$65,070 gross+7.8% vs ID
Utah — 4.65%$62,500 gross+3.6% vs ID

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Idaho has a state income tax rate of up to 5.8%.

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School Counselor Job Outlook in Idaho

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
2,010Currently employed
201+New jobs projected

Employment for school counselors in Idaho is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Idaho job market. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for school counselors in Idaho.

How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Idaho

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Idaho typically adds $49,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Boise pays school counselors $67,000/yr — +11.0% above the Idaho average. Simply relocating within Idaho can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. School Counselors who specialise in K-12 education typically command premium rates in Idaho. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Montana pays school counselors $59,480/yr — -1.4% vs Idaho.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a school counselor make in Idaho?
The average school counselor salary in Idaho is $60,340 per year, or $29.01 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $37,400 while experienced professionals earn $86,900 or more.
What city in Idaho pays school counselors the most?
Boise pays school counselors the most in Idaho at an average of $67,000 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is school counselor pay in Idaho above or below the US average?
Idaho school counselor salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $4,380. Idaho has a state income tax rate of up to 5.8%.
How much do school counselors actually take home after taxes in Idaho?
A school counselor earning the Idaho average of $60,340 takes home approximately $46,955 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Idaho has a state income tax rate of up to 5.8%.
Are school counselor jobs worth pursuing in Idaho?
Yes. School Counselor is a strong career choice in Idaho with steady demand projected over the next decade. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for school counselors in Idaho.
How do you get a school counselor licence in Idaho?
In Idaho, school counselors are licensed through the State Department of Education. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Department of Education for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.