Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Kingsville, TX: $47,833 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Kingsville, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,833 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kingsville's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $49,826 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,134) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new grad school counselors in Kingsville, TX, indicate a pathway for promising career growth. With a projected entry-level pay of $47,833 in 2026, fresh graduates can expect a considerable distance from the city median annual salary of $64,134. Over the first three to five years, as new counselors gain experience and expertise, salaries are likely to progress toward the 25th percentile mark of $52,565. Kingsville's market appears relatively favorable for recent graduates, thanks to a consistent growth trajectory of 2.05% annually and an expanding demand for mental health support in schools, particularly in light of heightened challenges in student well-being post-COVID-19.
About the Kingsville Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kingsville
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 Kingsville
Entry-level school counselors in Kingsville, TX typically start between $47,833 and $52,565 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,575 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,134 — 0.31% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Texas of $38,000 represents just 79.44% of the starting school counselor pay ($47,833/year) in Kingsville. 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 Kingsville
- 1Research the Kingsville market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $47,833 to $52,565, 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 Kingsville, 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 Kingsville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Kingsville'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 Kingsville is $51,575 ( 107.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,833, experienced hygienists can earn up to $99,408.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,794
2025 BLS Actual
$46,872
2026 Current Est.
$47,833
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Kingsville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,794 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,085 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,095 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,855 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,336 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,833 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,813 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Kingsville, TX grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,794 in 2019 to $46,872 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,813. New graduates entering the Kingsville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kingsville 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 Kingsville
In Kingsville, public school districts typically form the backbone of employment opportunities for newly minted school counselors. These districts often utilize a step-and-lane placement system based on education levels, making it essential for new graduates to secure a master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program. Often, entry-level hires must also hold state licensing or certification, supported by passing scores on necessary exams. The current landscape of counseling positions is influenced by ASCA's recommended counselor-to-student ratio of 1:250, though the national average stands significantly higher at 1:385. Given post-COVID funding boosts, the demand for school counselors is increasing, which can lead to realistic salary growth in the early years within the K-12 pay structure as positions open up, even for those entering the field with few years of experience.
More salary data for Kingsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for school counselors in Kingsville in 2026?
How fast do school counselor salaries grow in Kingsville?
Is school counseling school worth it in Kingsville?
What do new school counselors make right out of school in Kingsville?
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 Kingsville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kingsville 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