School Counselor Salary in Texarkana, AR: $61,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Texarkana, AR earns a median $61,140/year (≈ $29.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Texarkana's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $70,357 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, school counselors in Texarkana, Arkansas, can anticipate a median annual salary of $61,140, which is approximately 4.97% lower than the national median for the same year. Their earnings typically fall within a range from $46,019 at the lower end to $94,768 at the higher end, reflecting the step-and-lane salary structure prevalent among school districts in the area. Those positioned with a master’s degree or additional qualifications may find themselves placed higher on this scale. With localized estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, this financial outlook offers valuable insight for aspiring or current counselors considering where they stand in the local market.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,019 | $22.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,421 | $24.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,140 | $29.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,199 | $37.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,768 | $45.57 |
Median Salary Position
4.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Texarkana
In Texarkana, AR, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,749 (2026 est.). At $61,140, the local median is 4.97% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Texarkana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Texarkana School Counselor Pay Compares
Texarkana median: $61,140/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Texarkana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $61,695 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -4.97% less |
School Counselors in Texarkana, AR earn a median of $61,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.90% below the Arkansas state average of $61,695.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Texarkana 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.
Texarkana, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $61,140 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,357 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,123
2025 BLS Actual
$59,912
2026 Current Est.
$61,140
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,123 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,128 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,354 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,472 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,912 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,394 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Texarkana metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $53,123 (2019) to $59,912 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,394 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,271 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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) | $46,019 – $50,421 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,421 – $61,140 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,140 – $78,199 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,199 – $94,768 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Texarkana
The job market for school counselors in Texarkana consists of seven positions, offering a snapshot of local employment opportunities. The cost of living index stands at 86.9, signaling that living expenses in Texarkana are below the national average, which can positively impact take-home pay. For school counselor pay in Texarkana AR, the K-12 public school districts typically provide the most stable employment prospects, while specialized roles in private and charter schools may vary. Compensation disparities stem from factors such as years of experience and educational attainment within the step-and-lane salary system. Counselors aiming to enhance their income potential should consider the benefits of further education, additional certifications, and opportunities for extended contracts or stipend positions, which can add considerable value to their overall compensation while effectively addressing the increasing demands for mental health support.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can school counselors make $100K in Texarkana?
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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 $59,912 for school counselorsin the Texarkana 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 Texarkana 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