Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Texarkana, AR: $46,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Texarkana, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,019 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Texarkana's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,956 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,140) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
While starting salaries for school counselors can vary, new graduates entering the field in Texarkana, AR, can expect to earn approximately $46,019 in their first roles. This initial pay is below the city's median annual salary of $61,140 but represents a starting point that can lead to gradual increases over time. Over the course of three to five years, entry-level counselors in this region have the potential to advance their salaries toward the $50,421 mark at the 25th percentile, and eventually close the gap toward the median. With a projected growth rate of 2.05% annually, Texarkana is positioned as a decent market for new school counseling graduates, especially given the ongoing demand for mental health professionals in schools and the substantial federal funding that has been channeled into mental health initiatives since the pandemic.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Texarkana
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Texarkana
Entry-level school counselors in Texarkana, AR typically start between $46,019 and $50,421 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,749 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,140 — 4.97% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Arkansas of $30,000 represents just 65.19% of the starting school counselor pay ($46,019/year) in Texarkana. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CACREP-accredited master's programs in school counseling. In-state public institutions are the lowest-cost option; private universities carry higher tuition. Totals reflect tuition and required fees; practicum and internship hours are typically unpaid and add opportunity cost. State licensure requirements may mandate additional coursework.
SC, LSC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Texarkana
- 1Research the Texarkana market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $46,019 to $50,421, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the school counseling field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Texarkana, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Texarkana for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Texarkana's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
School Counselor Compensation Range
The school counselor wage spread in Texarkana is $48,749 ( 105.93%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,019, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,768.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,437
2025 BLS Actual
$45,095
2026 Current Est.
$46,019
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,437 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,679 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,613 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,344 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,207 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,095 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,963 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Texarkana, AR grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,437 in 2019 to $45,095 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,963. New graduates entering the Texarkana job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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.
Starting Your school counseling Career in Texarkana
When considering employment opportunities, public school districts in Texarkana are the primary employers of entry-level school counselors, often providing step-and-lane pay structures that align salaries with education and experience. Charter schools might offer slightly higher initial salaries but come without the same security or benefits associated with traditional district jobs. To enhance entry-level pay, candidates are advised to obtain a Master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited institution and obtain state certification, which includes passing relevant exams and completing internship requirements. Given the high counselor-to-student ratios, where ASCA recommends 1:250 but the national average is around 1:385, the demand for counselors remains strong. Early career strategies should focus on gaining additional qualifications, networking within the field, and staying informed about developments in mental health funding, as these factors will ultimately support upward salary growth in the initial years of a counseling career in Texarkana.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Texarkana in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Texarkana?
Is school counseling school worth it in Texarkana?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Texarkana?
How do I become a school counselor in Arkansas?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new school counseling graduates. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Texarkana. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Texarkana 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