Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Kingsport, TN: $43,994 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Kingsport, TN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,994 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsport's local price level (BEA RPP 86.4 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,891 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,355) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Professionals entering the field of school counseling in Kingsport, TN, can expect to begin their careers with a starting school counselor salary of approximately $43,994 in 2026. This amount is significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $60,355, illustrating a noticeable gap that early-career counselors will need to navigate. However, as they gain experience, new graduates can anticipate salary growth ranging from $50,684 in the first quarter to the median over their first three to five years. With a projected growth rate of 2.05% annually, Kingsport currently represents a solid market for aspiring school counselors, particularly as demand for mental health support in schools has surged in recent years due to increased funding initiatives.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsport
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 Kingsport
Entry-level school counselors in Kingsport, TN typically start between $43,994 and $50,684 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,183 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,355 — 6.19% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Tennessee of $40,000 represents just 90.92% of the starting school counselor pay ($43,994/year) in Kingsport. 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 Kingsport
- 1Research the Kingsport market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $43,994 to $50,684, 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 TN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Kingsport, 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 Kingsport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsport'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 Kingsport is $32,183 ( 73.15%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,994, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,177.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,250
2025 BLS Actual
$43,110
2026 Current Est.
$43,994
2019–2027 Growth
+31.1%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,700 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,990 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,994 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,896 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsport, TN grew 25.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,250 in 2019 to $43,110 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,896. New graduates entering the Kingsport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsport 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 Kingsport
In Kingsport, public school districts primarily hire new graduate school counselors, following the step-and-lane pay structure common across K-12 education settings. These organizations generally provide competitive placement based on education level. Some charter school networks may also recruit new counselors, occasionally offering higher starting salaries but without the benefit of tenure. For those considering entry into this profession, obtaining credentials like a master's degree from a CACREP accredited program and state certification is crucial. Passing the required state exam and completing supervised internships can further enhance hiring potential. It is also wise for new counselors to align their growth expectations with the ASCA recommendation of maintaining a 1:250 counselor-to-student ratio, recognizing that the current average may be much higher. With the ongoing emphasis on mental health resources in schools, an entry-level counselor can realistically aim for progressive pay increases within their first few years in the role, enhancing overall appeal of this career in Kingsport.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
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
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 Kingsport. 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