School Counselor Salary in Memphis, TN: $51,720 (2026)

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

Memphis offers a median school counselor salary of $51,720, which is $1,805 below the Tennessee state average of $53,525. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Memphis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Memphis's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 86% of the national average. This means the $51,720 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $60,140 in an average-cost city. This makes Memphis an attractive option for school counselors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for school counselors in Memphis spans from $32,852 at the 10th percentile to $81,528 at the 90th percentile — a $48,676 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,400, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,100. As a major metro area with a population of 633,104, Memphis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level school counselor earns around $34,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,400

$-5,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$51,600

$-8,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,100

$-11,900 vs national

Percentile	Memphis	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$32,852	$33,998	$38,200
25th Percentile	$40,420	$41,830	$47,000
Median (50th)	$51,720	$53,525	$60,140
75th Percentile	$65,532	$67,818	$76,200
90th Percentile	$81,528	$84,372	$94,800

Percentile

Memphis

10th Percentile

$32,852

25th Percentile

$40,420

Median (50th)

$51,720

75th Percentile

$65,532

90th Percentile

$81,528

How to Become a School Counselor in Memphis

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Memphis

How much does a School Counselor make in Memphis, TN? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $51,720 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $32,852 (10th percentile) to $81,528 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Memphis? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $51,720, a school counselor in Memphis earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Memphis's median school counselor salary of $51,720 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $53,525. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼

Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $51,720 in Memphis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Memphis? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Memphis 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.

School Counselor Salary in Memphis, Tennessee