School Counselor Salaries in Texas — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Texas pays school counselors a median wage of $65,660 per year — that's $31.57/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 32,350 school counselors make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
School Counselor salaries in Texas are above the national average by approximately $940. Texas has no state income tax.
Pro-business policies and steady migration into Texas keep demand strong for school counselors.
Texas School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Texas after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Texas has no state income tax.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Texas has no state income tax. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Texas School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Texas median of $65,660.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — Texas
School Counselor Salary Trend in Texas — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for school counselors in Texas: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Texas's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — Texas
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $72,900 | $35.05 | +11.0% | 11,322 |
| Dallas | $69,600 | $33.46 | +6.0% | 9,058 |
| Austin | $67,650 | $32.52 | +3.0% | 5,823 |
| San Antonio | $63,050 | $30.31 | -4.0% | 2,911 |
| Fort Worth | $59,750 | $28.73 | -9.0% | 1,941 |
| El Paso | $57,100 | $27.45 | -13.0% | 1,294 |
Tip: Houston offers the highest school counselor salaries in Texas at $72,900/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Texas vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Texas compares favourably for school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Texas has no state income tax.
School Counselor Job Outlook in Texas
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors in Texas is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Texas job market. Pro-business policies and steady migration into Texas keep demand strong for school counselors.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Texas
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Texas typically adds $53,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Houston pays school counselors $72,900/yr — +11.0% above the Texas average. Simply relocating within Texas 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 Texas. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. New Mexico pays school counselors $76,490/yr — 16.5% vs Texas.
Find School Counselor Jobs in Texas
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in Texas:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in Texas — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in Texas — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — Houston, TX→