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School Counselor Salaries in Georgia — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Georgia pays school counselors a median wage of $63,990 per year — that's $30.77/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 10,890 school counselors make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.

School Counselor salaries in Georgia are below the national average by approximately $730. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.

Georgia's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for school counselors.

Georgia School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Georgia after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$63,990
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$49,874

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Georgia School Counselor Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Georgia median of $63,990.

Your annual salary ($)

School Counselor Salary by Experience — Georgia

Entry Level (0–2 years)$39,700/yr · $19.09/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Georgia.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$56,951/yr · $27.38/hr
Established professional working independently in Georgia. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$71,028/yr · $34.15/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Georgia.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$92,100+/yr · $44.28/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Georgia.
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School Counselor Salary Trend in Georgia — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

school counselors pay in Georgia has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the school counselor workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Georgia's K-12 education.

2021
$56,183
2022
$59,446
+5.8%
2023
$62,198
+4.6%
2024
$63,222
+1.6%
2026
$63,990
+1.2%

School Counselor Salary by City — Georgia

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Atlanta$71,050$34.16+11.0%3,811
Savannah$67,850$32.62+6.0%3,049
Augusta$65,900$31.68+3.0%1,960
Columbus$61,450$29.54-4.0%980
Macon$58,250$28.00-9.0%653
Athens$55,650$26.75-13.0%435

Tip: Atlanta offers the highest school counselor salaries in Georgia at $71,050/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Georgia vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Georgia sits in the mid-range for school counselors.

Georgia — 5.49% state income tax$63,990 gross~$49,874 take-home
Florida — no state tax$54,080 gross-15.5% vs GA
Alabama — 5.0%$60,530 gross-5.4% vs GA
Tennessee — no state tax$59,090 gross-7.7% vs GA

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.

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School Counselor Job Outlook in Georgia

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
10,890Currently employed
1,089+New jobs projected

Employment for school counselors in Georgia is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Georgia job market. Georgia's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for school counselors.

How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Georgia

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Georgia typically adds $52,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Atlanta pays school counselors $71,050/yr — +11.0% above the Georgia average. Simply relocating within Georgia 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 Georgia. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Florida pays school counselors $54,080/yr — -15.5% vs Georgia.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a school counselor earn in Georgia on average?
The average school counselor salary in Georgia is $63,990 per year, or $30.77 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $39,700 while experienced professionals earn $92,100 or more.
What city in Georgia pays school counselors the most?
Atlanta pays school counselors the most in Georgia at an average of $71,050 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Georgia school counselor salary compare to the national average?
Georgia school counselor salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $730. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
What's the after-tax salary for school counselors in Georgia?
A school counselor earning the Georgia average of $63,990 takes home approximately $49,874 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Georgia has a flat state income tax rate of 5.49%.
Is school counselor a good career in Georgia?
Yes. School Counselor is a strong career choice in Georgia with steady demand projected over the next decade. Georgia's growing population and construction boom create consistent demand for school counselors.
What's the licensing process for school counselors in Georgia?
In Georgia, school counselors are licensed through the State Department of Education. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Department of Education for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.