Creative & Education Georgia (GA) Rank #27 of 50

School Counselor Salary in Georgia

The median school counselor salary in Georgia is $55,930 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$55,930
vs National
$-4,210
State Rank
#27 of 50
Cost of Living
93%

School Counselor Salary Overview in Georgia (2026)

Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for school counselor compensation. School Counselor salaries in Georgia are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,930 per year, school counselors in Georgia earn $4,210 less than the national median of $60,140.

A key advantage of working in Georgia is its below-average cost of living (93% of the national index). This means the $55,930 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,140 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Georgia is significant: school counselors at the 10th percentile earn $35,526, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $88,164 — a $52,638 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Georgia for this role is Atlanta, where the median reaches $61,343.

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for school counselors across the country.

School Counselor Salary in Georgia by Experience

In Georgia, an entry-level school counselor earns around $37,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,050 per year. The cost of living index in Georgia is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,200
$-2,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,800
$-4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,050
$-5,950 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Georgia

Percentile GA Salary
10th Percentile $35,526
25th Percentile $43,710
Median (50th) $55,930
75th Percentile $70,866
90th Percentile $88,164

School Counselor Salary by City in Georgia

The largest employment areas for school counselors in Georgia include Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a School Counselor in Georgia

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Georgia has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in Georgia

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Georgia's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Georgia

How much does a School Counselor make in Georgia? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Georgia is $55,930 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,526 (10th percentile) to $88,164 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Georgia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,930, a school counselor in Georgia earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Georgia a good state for school counselors? ▼
Georgia ranks #27 out of 50 states for school counselor pay. The cost of living index is 93% of the national average. Entry-level school counselors earn $37,200, while senior professionals earn $79,050.
How does Georgia compare to other states for school counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for school counselors is Hawaii at $102,238. Georgia's median of $55,930 ranks #27 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Montana ($57,133) and Idaho ($56,532).
What is the entry-level school counselor salary in Georgia? ▼
An entry-level school counselor in Georgia earns approximately $37,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $79,050.
What city in Georgia pays school counselors the most? ▼
Atlanta is the highest paying city in Georgia for school counselors, with a median salary of $61,343. Other cities include Augusta and Savannah.