Creative & Education Hattiesburg, MS Pop. 48,728

School Counselor Salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The median school counselor salary in Hattiesburg, MS is $48,112 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 3.6% below the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$48,112
vs State Avg
$-1,804
vs National
$-12,028
Cost of Living
80%

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

Hattiesburg offers a median school counselor salary of $48,112, which is $1,804 below the Mississippi state average of $49,916. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Hattiesburg pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Hattiesburg's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $48,112 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Hattiesburg an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Hattiesburg spans from $30,560 at the 10th percentile to $75,840 at the 90th percentile — a $45,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,000. Hattiesburg is a smaller market (pop. 48,728), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Hattiesburg by Experience

In Hattiesburg, an entry-level school counselor earns around $32,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,000
$-8,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,000
$-12,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,000
$-17,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hattiesburg, MS

Percentile Hattiesburg
10th Percentile $30,560
25th Percentile $37,600
Median (50th) $48,112
75th Percentile $60,960
90th Percentile $75,840

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
Gulfport, MS
$49,315
Pop. 72,926

How to Become a School Counselor in Hattiesburg

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Hattiesburg

Browse open school counselor positions in Hattiesburg, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Hattiesburg

How much does a School Counselor make in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is $48,112 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $30,560 (10th percentile) to $75,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Hattiesburg? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,112, a school counselor in Hattiesburg earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hattiesburg compare to the Mississippi state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Hattiesburg's median school counselor salary of $48,112 is 3.6% below the Mississippi state average of $49,916. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hattiesburg, MS? ▼
Hattiesburg has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $48,112 in Hattiesburg has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Hattiesburg? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Hattiesburg 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.