Creative & Education Baton Rouge, LA Pop. 227,470

School Counselor Salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

The median school counselor salary in Baton Rouge, LA is $55,329 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 1.1% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$55,329
vs State Avg
+$602
vs National
$-4,811
Cost of Living
92%

School Counselor Pay in Baton Rouge: What to Expect (2026)

Baton Rouge offers a median school counselor salary of $55,329, which is $602 above the Louisiana state average of $54,727. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Baton Rouge pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Baton Rouge's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for school counselors in Baton Rouge spans from $35,144 at the 10th percentile to $87,216 at the 90th percentile — a $52,072 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,200. With a population of 227,470, Baton Rouge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Baton Rouge by Experience

In Baton Rouge, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baton Rouge, LA

Percentile Baton Rouge
10th Percentile $35,144
25th Percentile $43,240
Median (50th) $55,329
75th Percentile $70,104
90th Percentile $87,216

School Counselor Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

New Orleans, LA
$58,937
Pop. 383,997
Lafayette, LA
$52,923
Pop. 121,374
Lake Charles, LA
$51,720
Pop. 80,000
Shreveport, LA
$51,119
Pop. 187,593

How to Become a School Counselor in Baton Rouge

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Baton Rouge

Browse open school counselor positions in Baton Rouge, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Baton Rouge

How much does a School Counselor make in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Baton Rouge, Louisiana is $55,329 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,144 (10th percentile) to $87,216 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Baton Rouge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,329, a school counselor in Baton Rouge earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baton Rouge compare to the Louisiana state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Baton Rouge's median school counselor salary of $55,329 is 1.1% above the Louisiana state average of $54,727. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baton Rouge, LA? ▼
Baton Rouge has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $55,329 in Baton Rouge has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Baton Rouge? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Baton Rouge 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.