School Counselor Salaries in Tennessee — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026How much does a school counselor make in Tennessee? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $59,090/yr ($28.41/hr), with around 6,090 people working in this field statewide.
School Counselor salaries in Tennessee are below the national average by approximately $5,630. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Tennessee's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for school counselors.
Tennessee School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Tennessee after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Tennessee has no earned income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Tennessee School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Tennessee median of $59,090.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — Tennessee
School Counselor Salary Trend in Tennessee — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for school counselors in Tennessee: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Tennessee's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — Tennessee
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville | $65,600 | $31.54 | +11.0% | 2,131 |
| Memphis | $62,650 | $30.12 | +6.0% | 1,705 |
| Knoxville | $60,850 | $29.25 | +3.0% | 1,096 |
| Chattanooga | $56,750 | $27.28 | -4.0% | 548 |
| Clarksville | $53,750 | $25.84 | -9.0% | 365 |
| Murfreesboro | $51,400 | $24.71 | -13.0% | 243 |
Tip: Nashville offers the highest school counselor salaries in Tennessee at $65,600/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Tennessee vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Tennessee compares favourably for school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Tennessee has no earned income tax.
School Counselor Job Outlook in Tennessee
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors in Tennessee is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Tennessee job market. Tennessee's growing population and business-friendly environment create expanding opportunities for school counselors.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Tennessee
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Tennessee typically adds $48,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Nashville pays school counselors $65,600/yr — +11.0% above the Tennessee average. Simply relocating within Tennessee 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 Tennessee. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Kentucky pays school counselors $64,390/yr — 9.0% vs Tennessee.
Find School Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in Tennessee:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in Tennessee — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in Tennessee — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — Nashville, TN→