Creative & Education New Orleans, LA Pop. 383,997

School Counselor Salary in New Orleans, Louisiana

The median school counselor salary in New Orleans, LA is $58,937 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 7.7% above the Louisiana state average.

City Median
$58,937
vs State Avg
+$4,210
vs National
$-1,203
Cost of Living
98%

School Counselor Pay in New Orleans: What to Expect (2026)

New Orleans offers a median school counselor salary of $58,937, which is $4,210 above the Louisiana state average of $54,727. Compared to the national median of $60,140, New Orleans pays below the national benchmark for this role.

New Orleans's cost of living is 98% 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 New Orleans spans from $37,436 at the 10th percentile to $92,904 at the 90th percentile — a $55,468 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,300. With a population of 383,997, New Orleans is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in New Orleans by Experience

In New Orleans, an entry-level school counselor earns around $39,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,200
$-800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
$-1,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,300
$-1,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Orleans, LA

Percentile New Orleans
10th Percentile $37,436
25th Percentile $46,060
Median (50th) $58,937
75th Percentile $74,676
90th Percentile $92,904

School Counselor Salary in Other Louisiana Cities

Baton Rouge, LA
$55,329
Pop. 227,470
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 New Orleans

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. New Orleans 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 New Orleans may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find School Counselor Jobs in New Orleans

Browse open school counselor positions in New Orleans, LA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in New Orleans

How much does a School Counselor make in New Orleans, LA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in New Orleans, Louisiana is $58,937 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $37,436 (10th percentile) to $92,904 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in New Orleans? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,937, a school counselor in New Orleans earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does New Orleans compare to the Louisiana state average for school counselor pay? ▼
New Orleans's median school counselor salary of $58,937 is 7.7% above the Louisiana state average of $54,727. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in New Orleans, LA? ▼
New Orleans has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $58,937 in New Orleans has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in New Orleans? ▼
Most school counselor positions in New Orleans 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.