School Counselor Salary in Lebanon, TN: $58,383 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Lebanon, TN earns a median $58,383/year (≈ $28.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Lebanon's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $63,598 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lebanon, TN, the projected median salary for school counselors in 2026 is set at $58,383, which reflects a notable discrepancy against the national median of $64,335. The local salary range showcases significant variation, with earnings estimated between $41,048 at the 10th percentile up to $90,494 at the 90th percentile. This indicates potential for advancement based on experience, education, and specific district characteristics. With a school counselor-to-student ratio significantly above the ASCA recommended 1:250 benchmark, the demand for qualified professionals to address the growing mental health needs in schools has intensified, aligning with broader post-COVID funding expansions. Given this context, Lebanon's school counselor salary presents a mixed opportunity—competitive but facing challenges in attracting and retaining talent due to national comparisons.
About the Lebanon Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,048 | $19.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,007 | $22.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,383 | $28.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,855 | $35.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,494 | $43.50 |
Median Salary Position
9.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lebanon
In Lebanon, TN, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,446 (2026 est.). At $58,383, the local median is 9.25% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lebanon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lebanon School Counselor Pay Compares
Lebanon median: $58,383/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lebanon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $59,514 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -9.25% less |
School Counselors in Lebanon, TN earn a median of $58,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.25% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $59,514.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lebanon has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lebanon, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $58,383 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,598 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,727
2025 BLS Actual
$57,210
2026 Current Est.
$58,383
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,727 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,687 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,813 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,484 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,244 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,383 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,580 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lebanon metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $50,727 (2019) to $57,210 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,580 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,853 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lebanon 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) | $41,048 – $46,007 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,007 – $58,383 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,383 – $73,855 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,855 – $90,494 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Lebanon
Economic conditions in Lebanon suggest that while school counselors in the area can find satisfactory compensation, the cost of living plays a critical role in their take-home purchasing power. With a cost-of-living index of 91.8, housing and everyday expenses may be more manageable compared to other regions, allowing for better financial planning. Currently, there are only 10 employed school counselors in Lebanon, indicating a tight local job market. The pay among local public school districts tends to be structured along the traditional step-and-lane pay scale, which rewards experience and higher education levels. Counselors can maximize their salaries by pursuing advanced educational qualifications, such as obtaining a doctorate, or by taking on additional responsibilities such as department heads or summer program roles. Understanding the local employment landscape and how various schools compensate counselors can significantly benefit those assessing school counselor pay in Lebanon, TN.
More salary data for Lebanon, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Lebanon, TN in 2026?
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Can school counselors make $100K in Lebanon?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted school counselor salary in Lebanon?
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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 $57,210 for school counselorsin the Lebanon 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 Lebanon 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