School Counselor Salaries in Arkansas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Arkansas pays school counselors a median wage of $60,110 per year — that's $28.90/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 2,310 school counselors make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
School Counselor salaries in Arkansas are below the national average by approximately $4,610. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Arkansas keep demand strong for school counselors.
Arkansas School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Arkansas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Arkansas School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Arkansas median of $60,110.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — Arkansas
School Counselor Salary Trend in Arkansas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataSchool Counselor salaries in Arkansas have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Arkansas's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — Arkansas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock | $66,700 | $32.07 | +11.0% | 808 |
| Fort Smith | $63,700 | $30.62 | +6.0% | 646 |
| Fayetteville | $61,900 | $29.76 | +3.0% | 415 |
| Springdale | $57,700 | $27.74 | -4.0% | 207 |
| Jonesboro | $54,700 | $26.30 | -9.0% | 138 |
| Conway | $52,300 | $25.14 | -13.0% | 92 |
Tip: Little Rock offers the highest school counselor salaries in Arkansas at $66,700/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Arkansas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Arkansas sits in the mid-range for school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Arkansas has a state income tax rate of up to 4.4%.
School Counselor Job Outlook in Arkansas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors in Arkansas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Arkansas job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Arkansas keep demand strong for school counselors.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Arkansas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Arkansas typically adds $49,300 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Little Rock pays school counselors $66,700/yr — +11.0% above the Arkansas average. Simply relocating within Arkansas can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. School Counselors who specialise in K-12 education typically command premium rates in Arkansas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Missouri pays school counselors $53,790/yr — -10.5% vs Arkansas.
Find School Counselor Jobs in Arkansas
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in Arkansas:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in Arkansas — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in Arkansas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — Little Rock, AR→