School Counselor Salaries in Louisiana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026School Counselors in Louisiana earn an average of $67,070 per year ($32.25/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 4,890 school counselors.
School Counselor salaries in Louisiana are above the national average by approximately $2,350. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Louisiana's economy continues to add school counselor jobs as population and businesses grow.
Louisiana School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Louisiana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Louisiana School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Louisiana median of $67,070.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — Louisiana
School Counselor Salary Trend in Louisiana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for school counselors in Louisiana: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Louisiana's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — Louisiana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | $74,450 | $35.79 | +11.0% | 1,711 |
| Baton Rouge | $71,100 | $34.18 | +6.0% | 1,369 |
| Shreveport | $69,100 | $33.22 | +3.0% | 880 |
| Lafayette | $64,400 | $30.96 | -4.0% | 440 |
| Lake Charles | $61,050 | $29.35 | -9.0% | 293 |
| Kenner | $58,350 | $28.05 | -13.0% | 195 |
Tip: New Orleans offers the highest school counselor salaries in Louisiana at $74,450/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Louisiana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Louisiana sits in the mid-range for school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Louisiana has a state income tax rate of up to 4.25%.
School Counselor Job Outlook in Louisiana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors in Louisiana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Louisiana job market. Louisiana's economy continues to add school counselor jobs as population and businesses grow.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Louisiana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Louisiana typically adds $55,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. New Orleans pays school counselors $74,450/yr — +11.0% above the Louisiana average. Simply relocating within Louisiana 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 Louisiana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Texas pays school counselors $65,660/yr — -2.1% vs Louisiana.
Find School Counselor Jobs in Louisiana
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in Louisiana:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in Louisiana — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in Louisiana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — New Orleans, LA→