Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Hurst, TX: $44,709 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,709 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,572 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,069) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the school counseling field in Hurst, TX, can expect an entry-level salary around $44,709, although this is just the starting point for the profession. Compared to the median annual salary for all school counselors in the city, which stands at $65,069, there is a significant gap of about $20,360. However, early-career counselors can anticipate upward movement in their earnings as they gain experience and advance from initial pay levels to the 25th percentile salary of $54,473 within just a few years. Given the positive job growth projected at 2.05% annually and the increasing demand for counselors due to post-COVID mental health funding initiatives, Hurst appears to be a favorable market for new graduates exploring opportunities in school counseling.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level school counselors in Hurst, TX typically start between $44,709 and $54,473 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,001 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,069 — 1.14% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Texas of $38,000 represents just 84.99% of the starting school counselor pay ($44,709/year) in Hurst. 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 Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $44,709 to $54,473, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst's moderate 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 Hurst is $56,001 ( 125.26%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,709, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,710.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,457
2025 BLS Actual
$43,811
2026 Current Est.
$44,709
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,457 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,663 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,542 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,252 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,062 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,352 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,811 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,709 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,626 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,457 in 2019 to $43,811 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,626. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
Local public school districts are among the primary employers of entry-level school counselors in Hurst, typically offering step-and-lane placement based on educational credentials. New graduates with a master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program and a state school counselor certification are in demand. Additionally, charter schools may present opportunities with competitive starting salaries, although they often lack the security of tenure. The first few years in this role can be strategic for enhancing credentials, with options like pursuing National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification to boost starting pay and career prospects. Given that school counselor-to-student ratios often exceed the ASCA-recommended 1:250, the growth statistics suggest a steady demand for counselors, making it a viable time for new grads to enter the field and expect salary increases as they navigate their early careers.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Hurst in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Hurst?
Is school counseling school worth it in Hurst?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Hurst?
How do I become a school counselor in Texas?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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