School Counselor Salary in Houston, TX: $57,734 (2026)

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

Houston offers a median school counselor salary of $57,734, which is $2,405 above the Texas state average of $55,329. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $36,672 at the 10th percentile to $91,008 at the 90th percentile — a $54,336 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,400, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $81,600. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level school counselor earns around $38,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $81,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,400

$-1,600 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$57,600

$-2,400 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$81,600

$-3,400 vs national

Percentile	Houston	TX State	National
10th Percentile	$36,672	$35,144	$38,200
25th Percentile	$45,120	$43,240	$47,000
Median (50th)	$57,734	$55,329	$60,140
75th Percentile	$73,152	$70,104	$76,200
90th Percentile	$91,008	$87,216	$94,800

Percentile

Houston

10th Percentile

$36,672

25th Percentile

$45,120

Median (50th)

$57,734

75th Percentile

$73,152

90th Percentile

$91,008

How to Become a School Counselor in Houston

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Houston

How much does a School Counselor make in Houston, TX? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Houston, Texas is $57,734 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $36,672 (10th percentile) to $91,008 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $57,734, a school counselor in Houston earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Houston's median school counselor salary of $57,734 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $55,329. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼

Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $57,734 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

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

Most school counselor positions in Houston 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 Houston, Texas