Creative & Education Gulfport, MS Pop. 72,926

School Counselor Salary in Gulfport, Mississippi

The median school counselor salary in Gulfport, MS is $49,315 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 1.2% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$49,315
vs State Avg
$-601
vs National
$-10,825
Cost of Living
82%

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

Gulfport offers a median school counselor salary of $49,315, which is $601 below the Mississippi state average of $49,916. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Gulfport pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Gulfport's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $49,315 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Gulfport an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Gulfport spans from $31,324 at the 10th percentile to $77,736 at the 90th percentile — a $46,412 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $69,700. Gulfport is a smaller market (pop. 72,926), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Gulfport by Experience

In Gulfport, an entry-level school counselor earns around $32,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,700
$-15,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Gulfport, MS

Percentile Gulfport
10th Percentile $31,324
25th Percentile $38,540
Median (50th) $49,315
75th Percentile $62,484
90th Percentile $77,736

School Counselor Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$51,119
Pop. 153,701
Southaven, MS
$50,518
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$49,916
Pop. 46,212
Hattiesburg, MS
$48,112
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a School Counselor in Gulfport

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Gulfport

Browse open school counselor positions in Gulfport, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Gulfport

How much does a School Counselor make in Gulfport, MS? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Gulfport, Mississippi is $49,315 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $31,324 (10th percentile) to $77,736 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Gulfport? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,315, a school counselor in Gulfport earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Gulfport compare to the Mississippi state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Gulfport's median school counselor salary of $49,315 is 1.2% below the Mississippi state average of $49,916. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Gulfport, MS? ▼
Gulfport has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $49,315 in Gulfport has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Gulfport? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Gulfport 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.