Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Brunswick, GA: $46,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Brunswick, GA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,475 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Brunswick's local price level (BEA RPP 87.7 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,988 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($80,747) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the entry-level school counselor salary in Brunswick, Georgia, will start at around $46,475, which sets realistic expectations for new graduates entering the profession. When comparing this starting figure to the city’s overall median salary of $80,747, there's a significant gap that highlights an essential growth trajectory. New counselors can anticipate gradual salary increases through experience and additional qualifications, reaching around $55,975 in their early years. Brunswick presents a favorable job market for new graduates, especially with growing demand for school counselors driven by enhanced funding for mental health initiatives that emerged post-COVID.
Career Earnings Timeline in Brunswick
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 Brunswick
Entry-level school counselors in Brunswick, GA typically start between $46,475 and $55,975 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,995 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $80,747 — 25.51% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Georgia of $38,000 represents just 81.76% of the starting school counselor pay ($46,475/year) in Brunswick. 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 Brunswick
- 1Research the Brunswick market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $46,475 to $55,975, 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 GA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Brunswick, 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 Brunswick for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Brunswick'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 Brunswick is $63,995 ( 137.70%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,475, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,470.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,510
2025 BLS Actual
$45,541
2026 Current Est.
$46,475
2019–2027 Growth
+9.0%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,541 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,427 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Brunswick, GA grew 4.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,510 in 2019 to $45,541 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,427. New graduates entering the Brunswick job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brunswick 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 Brunswick
Employers in Brunswick that actively recruit new graduate school counselors primarily include public school districts, which typically adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure that aligns starting salaries with educational qualifications. Charter schools may also offer competitive starting pay, though they often do not provide tenure advantages. To boost their starting pay, aspiring counselors should focus on obtaining a Master’s degree accredited by CACREP or a state-approved program, alongside necessary credentials such as state licensure and successful completion of required exams. As school counselors face hefty ratios—where the average counselor supports a higher number of students than the ASCA's recommended 1:250—new hires may find significant opportunities for advancement and salary growth in their first three years. This dynamic landscape, coupled with the ongoing emphasis on mental health resources in schools, supports positive projections for entry-level pay in this field over time.
More salary data for Brunswick, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Brunswick in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Brunswick?
Is school counseling school worth it in Brunswick?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Brunswick?
How do I become a school counselor in Georgia?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Brunswick. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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