School Counselor Salaries in Minnesota — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Minnesota pays school counselors a median wage of $63,230 per year — that's $30.40/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 4,440 school counselors make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
School Counselor salaries in Minnesota are below the national average by approximately $1,490. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.
Minnesota's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for school counselors.
Minnesota School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Minnesota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Minnesota School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Minnesota median of $63,230.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — Minnesota
School Counselor Salary Trend in Minnesota — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataschool counselors pay in Minnesota has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the school counselor workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Minnesota's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — Minnesota
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $70,200 | $33.75 | +11.0% | 1,554 |
| Saint Paul | $67,000 | $32.21 | +6.0% | 1,243 |
| Rochester | $65,150 | $31.32 | +3.0% | 799 |
| Duluth | $60,700 | $29.18 | -4.0% | 399 |
| Bloomington | $57,550 | $27.67 | -9.0% | 266 |
| Brooklyn Park | $55,000 | $26.44 | -13.0% | 177 |
Tip: Minneapolis offers the highest school counselor salaries in Minnesota at $70,200/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Minnesota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Minnesota sits in the mid-range for school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.
School Counselor Job Outlook in Minnesota
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors in Minnesota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Minnesota job market. Minnesota's manufacturing base and stable economy provide steady employment for school counselors.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Minnesota
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Minnesota typically adds $51,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Minneapolis pays school counselors $70,200/yr — +11.0% above the Minnesota average. Simply relocating within Minnesota 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 Minnesota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. North Dakota pays school counselors $60,330/yr — -4.6% vs Minnesota.
Find School Counselor Jobs in Minnesota
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in Minnesota:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in Minnesota — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in Minnesota — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — Minneapolis, MN→