School Counselor Salary in Northport, AL: $57,286 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Northport, AL earns a median $57,286/year (≈ $27.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Northport's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $65,172 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated school counselor salary in Northport, Alabama, is projected at $57,286 annually, reflecting the local demand for mental health support following the expansion of funding post-COVID. This figure encompasses a salary range that spans from $39,815 at the bottom 10% to $88,793 for the top 90%, illustrating the potential variance in pay based on experience and qualifications. Estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost differences, and indicate that the salary for school counselors in Northport is approximately 10.96% lower than the national median of $64,335. With a focus on increased hiring of school counselors to address student mental health needs, the job market in Northport is evolving to meet both educational and psychological demands.
About the Northport Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,815 | $19.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,802 | $21.54 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,286 | $27.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,137 | $34.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,793 | $42.69 |
Median Salary Position
10.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northport
In Northport, AL, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,978 (2026 est.). At $57,286, the local median is 10.96% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northport: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northport School Counselor Pay Compares
Northport median: $57,286/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $58,694 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -10.96% less |
School Counselors in Northport, AL earn a median of $57,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.96% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.40% below the Alabama state average of $58,694.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northport has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Northport, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $57,286 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,172 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,774
2025 BLS Actual
$56,135
2026 Current Est.
$57,286
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Northport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,774 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,716 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,479 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,849 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,783 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,135 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,286 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,460 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northport metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $49,774 (2019) to $56,135 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,686 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northport 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,815 – $44,802 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,802 – $57,286 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,286 – $72,137 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,137 – $88,793 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Northport
With only five school counselors employed in Northport, competition for positions can be limited, making it crucial for candidates to understand the local dynamics that influence school counselor pay in Northport AL. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 87.9, meaning that while salaries may appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power is relatively favorable. Within the local job market, K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive salaries, driven by the traditional step-and-lane pay structure. Variations in pay often arise from factors such as experience level, additional education, and roles in extended school programs, making strategic career decisions essential for maximizing earnings. For those considering how much do school counselors make in Northport, focusing on gaining experience and pursuing advanced credentials can enhance salary opportunities in this evolving market.
More salary data for Northport, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $56,135 for school counselorsin the Northport metropolitan area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Northport 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