School Counselor Salary in Paragould, AR: $60,239 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Paragould, AR earns a median $60,239/year (≈ $28.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $69,320 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paragould, Arkansas, the 2026 median annual salary for school counselors is projected at $60,239, which reflects a slight downturn compared to the national median of $64,335. The pay range for school counselors in the area extends from $41,908 at the 10th percentile to $93,371 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The salary structure in Paragould generally adheres to a step-and-lane scale similar to teachers, where education level and years of experience determine placement. Understanding this compensation scheme is crucial for current counselors or interns considering a career path in this community, particularly as demand grows for mental health resources in the wake of increased funding post-COVID.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,908 | $20.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,472 | $23.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,239 | $28.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,106 | $37.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,371 | $44.89 |
Median Salary Position
6.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,463 (2026 est.). At $60,239, the local median is 6.37% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould School Counselor Pay Compares
Paragould median: $60,239/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $61,657 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -6.37% less |
School Counselors in Paragould, AR earn a median of $60,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.37% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $61,657.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $60,239 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $69,320 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,340
2025 BLS Actual
$59,029
2026 Current Est.
$60,239
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,331 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,524 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,184 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,625 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,689 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,029 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,239 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,474 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $52,340 (2019) to $59,029 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,474 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,134 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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) | $41,908 – $49,472 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,472 – $60,239 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,239 – $77,106 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,106 – $93,371 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Paragould
The job market for school counselors in Paragould currently employs only seven professionals, which indicates a limited but stable demand for these roles. The cost-of-living index for the area is 86.9, meaning that while salaries may appear lower than the national average, the affordability of living in Paragould can enhance purchasing power. To maximize compensation, counselors should consider opportunities within K-12 public school districts, which often offer the most competitive salaries, along with advantages such as extended contracts and stipend options for additional responsibilities. A strategic approach in this local market involves pursuing higher educational qualifications, such as master's plus 30 credits or even doctoral degrees, and gaining experience in roles that extend beyond traditional counseling, such as department heads or club advisors. This proactive agenda can significantly enhance earning potential in the growing field of school counseling in Paragould, AR.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
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 $59,029 for school counselorsin the Paragould 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 Paragould 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