School Counselor Salary in Carrollton, TX: $67,774 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Carrollton, TX earns a median $67,774/year (≈ $32.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Carrollton's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $70,598 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrollton, Texas, the projected median annual salary for school counselors is $67,774 for the year 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $64,335. This figure reflects the district’s adherence to a step-and-lane pay scale, where compensation evolves based on years of experience and educational attainment. Counselors in the area can expect to earn between $44,319 at the lower end of the spectrum and $105,050 at the upper end, showcasing a healthy range that accommodates various levels of expertise. The estimates derive from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, indicative of the local job market's competitive nature and the growing recognition of school counselors' vital roles in student support and mental health.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,319 | $21.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,355 | $26.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,774 | $32.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,752 | $41.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,050 | $50.50 |
Median Salary Position
5.35% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carrollton
In Carrollton, TX, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,731 (2026 est.). At $67,774, the local median is 5.35% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carrollton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carrollton School Counselor Pay Compares
Carrollton median: $67,774/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carrollton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,971 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +5.35% more |
School Counselors in Carrollton, TX earn a median of $67,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.35% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $66,971.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carrollton has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carrollton, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $67,774 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,598 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,887
2025 BLS Actual
$66,413
2026 Current Est.
$67,774
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,887 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,469 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,087 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,708 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,134 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,413 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,774 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,164 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carrollton metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $58,887 (2019) to $66,413 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,164 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,277 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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) | $44,319 – $55,355 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,355 – $67,774 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,774 – $86,752 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,752 – $105,050 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Carrollton
The job market in Carrollton features around 20 employed school counselors, suggesting a stable demand for education professionals in the region. The cost of living index, currently at 96, remains below the national average, enabling counselors to maximize their purchasing power despite the salary landscape. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive pay, but charter and private school networks can also present attractive compensation packages. The disparity in salaries stems from various factors, including placement within the step-and-lane pay structure, whether a counselor holds a master’s degree versus a higher educational level, and opportunities for additional stipends for roles such as department heads and club advisors. To increase earning potential in Carrollton, school counselors should focus on furthering their education, gaining experience, and exploring positions with extended contracts for summer programs or additional responsibilities that could enhance their overall pay.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
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 $66,413 for school counselorsin the Carrollton 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 Carrollton 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