Creative & Education Nashville, TN Pop. 689,447

School Counselor Salary in Nashville, Tennessee

The median school counselor salary in Nashville, TN is $60,140 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$60,140
vs State Avg
+$6,615
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

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

Nashville offers a median school counselor salary of $60,140, which is $6,615 above the Tennessee state average of $53,525. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Nashville pays above average for this role.

Nashville's cost of living is 100% 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 Nashville spans from $38,200 at the 10th percentile to $94,800 at the 90th percentile — a $56,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,000. As a major metro area with a population of 689,447, Nashville typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Nashville by Experience

In Nashville, an entry-level school counselor earns around $40,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Nashville, TN

Percentile Nashville
10th Percentile $38,200
25th Percentile $47,000
Median (50th) $60,140
75th Percentile $76,200
90th Percentile $94,800

School Counselor Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Murfreesboro, TN
$55,329
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$52,923
Pop. 190,740
Chattanooga, TN
$52,923
Pop. 181,099
Memphis, TN
$51,720
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a School Counselor in Nashville

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Nashville

Browse open school counselor positions in Nashville, TN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Nashville

How much does a School Counselor make in Nashville, TN? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Nashville, Tennessee is $60,140 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $38,200 (10th percentile) to $94,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Nashville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,140, a school counselor in Nashville earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Nashville compare to the Tennessee state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Nashville's median school counselor salary of $60,140 is 12.4% above the Tennessee state average of $53,525. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Nashville, TN? ▼
Nashville has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $60,140 in Nashville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Nashville? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Nashville 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.