School Counselor Salaries in North Dakota — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026North Dakota pays school counselors a median wage of $60,330 per year — that's $29.01/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 770 school counselors make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
School Counselor salaries in North Dakota are below the national average by approximately $4,390. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for school counselors across both urban and rural areas.
North Dakota School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in North Dakota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — North Dakota School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the North Dakota median of $60,330.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — North Dakota
School Counselor Salary Trend in North Dakota — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataschool counselors pay in North Dakota has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the school counselor workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in North Dakota's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — North Dakota
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo | $66,950 | $32.19 | +11.0% | 269 |
| Bismarck | $63,950 | $30.75 | +6.0% | 215 |
| Grand Forks | $62,150 | $29.88 | +3.0% | 138 |
| Minot | $57,900 | $27.84 | -4.0% | 69 |
| West Fargo | $54,900 | $26.39 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Williston | $52,500 | $25.24 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Fargo offers the highest school counselor salaries in North Dakota at $66,950/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
North Dakota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, North Dakota sits in the mid-range for school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. North Dakota has a flat state income tax rate of 2.5%.
School Counselor Job Outlook in North Dakota
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors in North Dakota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the North Dakota job market. North Dakota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for school counselors across both urban and rural areas.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in North Dakota
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in North Dakota 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. Fargo pays school counselors $66,950/yr — +11.0% above the North Dakota average. Simply relocating within North Dakota 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 North Dakota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Minnesota pays school counselors $63,230/yr — 4.8% vs North Dakota.
Find School Counselor Jobs in North Dakota
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in North Dakota:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in North Dakota — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in North Dakota — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — Fargo, ND→