School Counselor Salary in Montgomery, AL: $51,720 (2026)

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

Montgomery offers a median school counselor salary of $51,720, which is $602 below the Alabama state average of $52,322. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Montgomery pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Montgomery's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $51,720 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Montgomery an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Montgomery spans from $32,852 at the 10th percentile to $81,528 at the 90th percentile — a $48,676 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,100. With a population of 200,603, Montgomery is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Montgomery by Experience

In Montgomery, an entry-level school counselor earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,400

$-5,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,600

$-8,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,100

$-11,900 vs national

Percentile	Montgomery	AL State	National
10th Percentile	$32,852	$33,234	$38,200
25th Percentile	$40,420	$40,890	$47,000
Median (50th)	$51,720	$52,322	$60,140
75th Percentile	$65,532	$66,294	$76,200
90th Percentile	$81,528	$82,476	$94,800

Percentile

Montgomery

10th Percentile

$32,852

25th Percentile

$40,420

Median (50th)

$51,720

75th Percentile

$65,532

90th Percentile

$81,528

How to Become a School Counselor in Montgomery

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Montgomery

How much does a School Counselor make in Montgomery, AL? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Montgomery, Alabama is $51,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $32,852 (10th percentile) to $81,528 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Montgomery? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,720, a school counselor in Montgomery earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Montgomery compare to the Alabama state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Montgomery's median school counselor salary of $51,720 is 1.2% below the Alabama state average of $52,322. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Montgomery, AL? ▼

Montgomery has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $51,720 in Montgomery has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most school counselor positions in Montgomery 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 Montgomery, Alabama