Creative & Education Austin, TX Pop. 978,908

School Counselor Salary in Austin, Texas

The median school counselor salary in Austin, TX is $63,147 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 14.1% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$63,147
vs State Avg
+$7,818
vs National
+$3,007
Cost of Living
105%

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

Austin offers a median school counselor salary of $63,147, which is $7,818 above the Texas state average of $55,329. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Austin pays above average for this role.

Austin's cost of living is 105% 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 Austin spans from $40,110 at the 10th percentile to $99,540 at the 90th percentile — a $59,430 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $89,250. As a major metro area with a population of 978,908, Austin typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Austin by Experience

In Austin, an entry-level school counselor earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,000
+$3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,250
+$4,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Austin, TX

Percentile Austin
10th Percentile $40,110
25th Percentile $49,350
Median (50th) $63,147
75th Percentile $80,010
90th Percentile $99,540

School Counselor Salary in Other Texas Cities

Dallas, TX
$60,140
Pop. 1,304,379
Houston, TX
$57,734
Pop. 2,304,580
Fort Worth, TX
$55,329
Pop. 918,915
San Antonio, TX
$52,923
Pop. 1,434,625

How to Become a School Counselor in Austin

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Austin

Browse open school counselor positions in Austin, TX:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Austin

How much does a School Counselor make in Austin, TX? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Austin, Texas is $63,147 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $40,110 (10th percentile) to $99,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Austin? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,147, a school counselor in Austin earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Austin compare to the Texas state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Austin's median school counselor salary of $63,147 is 14.1% above the Texas state average of $55,329. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Austin, TX? ▼
Austin has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $63,147 in Austin has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Austin? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Austin 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.