School Counselor Salary in Little Rock, AR: $52,322 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median school counselor salary of $52,322, which is $1,804 above the Arkansas state average of $50,518. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $52,322 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Little Rock spans from $33,234 at the 10th percentile to $82,476 at the 90th percentile — a $49,242 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,950. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level school counselor earns around $34,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,800

$-5,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,200

$-7,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,950

$-11,050 vs national

Percentile	Little Rock	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$33,234	$32,088	$38,200
25th Percentile	$40,890	$39,480	$47,000
Median (50th)	$52,322	$50,518	$60,140
75th Percentile	$66,294	$64,008	$76,200
90th Percentile	$82,476	$79,632	$94,800

Percentile

Little Rock

10th Percentile

$33,234

25th Percentile

$40,890

Median (50th)

$52,322

75th Percentile

$66,294

90th Percentile

$82,476

How to Become a School Counselor in Little Rock

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Little Rock

How much does a School Counselor make in Little Rock, AR? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $52,322 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $33,234 (10th percentile) to $82,476 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $52,322, a school counselor in Little Rock earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Little Rock's median school counselor salary of $52,322 is 3.6% above the Arkansas state average of $50,518. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼

Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $52,322 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most school counselor positions in Little Rock 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 Little Rock, Arkansas