Creative & Education Texas (TX) Rank #30 of 50

School Counselor Salary in Texas

The median school counselor salary in Texas is $55,329 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$55,329
vs National
$-4,811
State Rank
#30 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

School Counselor Salary Overview in Texas (2026)

Texas ranks #30 out of 50 states for school counselor compensation. School Counselor salaries in Texas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $55,329 per year, school counselors in Texas earn $4,811 less than the national median of $60,140.

A key advantage of working in Texas is its below-average cost of living (92% of the national index). This means the $55,329 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $60,140 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Texas is significant: school counselors at the 10th percentile earn $35,144, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,216 — a $52,072 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Texas for this role is Austin, where the median reaches $63,147.

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for school counselors across the country.

School Counselor Salary in Texas by Experience

In Texas, an entry-level school counselor earns around $36,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,200 per year. The cost of living index in Texas is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,200
$-6,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Texas

Percentile TX Salary
10th Percentile $35,144
25th Percentile $43,240
Median (50th) $55,329
75th Percentile $70,104
90th Percentile $87,216

School Counselor Salary by City in Texas

The largest employment areas for school counselors in Texas include Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a School Counselor in Texas

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Texas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in Texas

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Texas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Texas

How much does a School Counselor make in Texas? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Texas is $55,329 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $35,144 (10th percentile) to $87,216 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Texas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,329, a school counselor in Texas earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Texas a good state for school counselors? ▼
Texas ranks #30 out of 50 states for school counselor pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level school counselors earn $36,800, while senior professionals earn $78,200.
How does Texas compare to other states for school counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for school counselors is Hawaii at $102,238. Texas's median of $55,329 ranks #30 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($55,930) and North Carolina ($55,329).
What is the entry-level school counselor salary in Texas? ▼
An entry-level school counselor in Texas earns approximately $36,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,200.
What city in Texas pays school counselors the most? ▼
Austin is the highest paying city in Texas for school counselors, with a median salary of $63,147. Other cities include Houston and Dallas.