School Counselor Salary in Kennesaw, GA: $56,136 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Kennesaw, GA earns a median $56,136/year (≈ $26.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Kennesaw's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $60,296 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the school counselor salary in Kennesaw is projected to reach a median annual amount of $56,136, reflecting the success of post-COVID mental health funding expansions that have encouraged local hiring. With salaries ranging from $41,564 at the 10th percentile to $87,010 at the 90th percentile, this growth aligns with a broader trend of increased recognition for the vital role counselors play in supporting student well-being. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and accounting for regional price adjustments. As the demand for school counselors rises, Kennesaw's job market offers promising opportunities amidst ongoing educational reforms.
About the Kennesaw Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,564 | $19.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,538 | $21.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,136 | $26.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,304 | $34.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,010 | $41.83 |
Median Salary Position
12.74% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kennesaw
In Kennesaw, GA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,446 (2026 est.). At $56,136, the local median is 12.74% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kennesaw: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kennesaw School Counselor Pay Compares
Kennesaw median: $56,136/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kennesaw Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $58,781 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -12.74% less |
School Counselors in Kennesaw, GA earn a median of $56,136 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.74% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 4.50% below the Georgia state average of $58,781.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kennesaw has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kennesaw, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $56,136 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,296 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,774
2025 BLS Actual
$55,008
2026 Current Est.
$56,136
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Kennesaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,774 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,698 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,742 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,425 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,768 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,883 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,008 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,136 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,286 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kennesaw metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $48,774 (2019) to $55,008 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,286 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,512 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kennesaw metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.05% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $41,564 – $44,538 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,538 – $56,136 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,136 – $71,304 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,304 – $87,010 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Kennesaw
Currently, Kennesaw employs eight school counselors, demonstrating a vibrant labor market for this profession. The local cost-of-living index of 93.1 indicates that while salaries may fall below the national median, they still provide reasonable purchasing power in the area. Among the various educational institutions, K-12 public school districts generally offer the best compensation for counselors. Factors influencing the salary differences include the step-and-lane pay scale based on years of experience and education level, as well as the potential for bonuses from summer programs and additional stipends for leadership roles. For counselors in Kennesaw GA looking to maximize their pay, pursuing advanced degrees beyond the master's level or obtaining relevant certifications may offer pathways to increase compensation, ultimately enhancing their overall career prospects.
More salary data for Kennesaw, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $55,008 for school counselorsin the Kennesaw metropolitan area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kennesaw is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.05%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for school counselors (SOC 21-1012).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov