Creative & Education Jackson, MS Pop. 153,701

School Counselor Salary in Jackson, Mississippi

The median school counselor salary in Jackson, MS is $51,119 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 2.4% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$51,119
vs State Avg
+$1,203
vs National
$-9,021
Cost of Living
85%

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

Jackson offers a median school counselor salary of $51,119, which is $1,203 above the Mississippi state average of $49,916. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Jackson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Jackson's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $51,119 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Jackson an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Jackson spans from $32,470 at the 10th percentile to $80,580 at the 90th percentile — a $48,110 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,250. With a population of 153,701, Jackson is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Jackson by Experience

In Jackson, an entry-level school counselor earns around $34,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,000
$-6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,250
$-12,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Jackson, MS

Percentile Jackson
10th Percentile $32,470
25th Percentile $39,950
Median (50th) $51,119
75th Percentile $64,770
90th Percentile $80,580

School Counselor Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Southaven, MS
$50,518
Pop. 55,026
Biloxi, MS
$49,916
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$49,315
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$48,112
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a School Counselor in Jackson

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Jackson

Browse open school counselor positions in Jackson, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Jackson

How much does a School Counselor make in Jackson, MS? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Jackson, Mississippi is $51,119 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $32,470 (10th percentile) to $80,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Jackson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,119, a school counselor in Jackson earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Jackson compare to the Mississippi state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Jackson's median school counselor salary of $51,119 is 2.4% above the Mississippi state average of $49,916. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Jackson, MS? ▼
Jackson has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $51,119 in Jackson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Jackson? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Jackson 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.