Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Biloxi, MS: $43,849 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Biloxi, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,849 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biloxi's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,166 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($62,332) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates pursuing a career as a school counselor in Biloxi, Mississippi, the starting point is set at approximately $43,849 annually, a figure reflective of the P10 percentile for 2026. When compared to the overall median salary for school counselors in Biloxi, which stands at $62,332, this entry-level salary may seem low, but it offers a pathway for growth in the profession. Over the initial years, a consistent upward trend can be expected, moving from the starting salary towards the P25 figure of $49,137, and ultimately reaching the median as experience is gained. As the demand for school counselors rises, especially following a post-COVID focus on mental health, Biloxi proves to be a promising market for fresh graduates entering the field, given the expanding opportunities.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biloxi
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 Biloxi
Entry-level school counselors in Biloxi, MS typically start between $43,849 and $49,137 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,766 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $62,332 — 3.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Mississippi of $30,000 represents just 68.42% of the starting school counselor pay ($43,849/year) in Biloxi. 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 Biloxi
- 1Research the Biloxi market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $43,849 to $49,137, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biloxi, 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 Biloxi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biloxi'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 Biloxi is $52,766 ( 120.34%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,849, experienced hygienists can earn up to $96,615.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,813
2025 BLS Actual
$42,968
2026 Current Est.
$43,849
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Biloxi (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,813 | Actual |
| 2020 | $33,996 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,838 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,535 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $29,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,968 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,849 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,748 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Biloxi, MS grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,813 in 2019 to $42,968 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,748. New graduates entering the Biloxi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi 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 Biloxi
In the market for new grad school counselor pay in MS, public school districts dominate the hiring scene, offering positions that adhere to the step-and-lane pay structure typical of K-12 education. Many of these schools seek candidates with a master's degree in school counseling from CACREP-accredited programs or state-approved institutions and require state certification for school counselors. Some new hires may consider additional certifications, such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), to enhance their qualifications and starting pay. The first three years in this role will heavily depend on building experience and possibly engaging in professional development initiatives. The ASCA recommends a school counselor-to-student ratio of 1:250, though the national average is currently 1:385, which indicates a considerable need for workplace support, especially given the increased counselor hiring fueled by enhanced mental health funding in many districts. As newcomers embrace the realities of this career trajectory, salary growth during the first few years can be robust, allowing for progression from initial positions into more financially rewarding opportunities.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Biloxi in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Biloxi?
Is school counseling school worth it in Biloxi?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Biloxi?
How do I become a school counselor in Mississippi?
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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 Biloxi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biloxi 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