School Counselor Salary in Clinton, MS: $49,679 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Clinton, MS earns a median $49,679/year (≈ $23.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $57,968 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.1% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Mississippi, school counselors earn a projected median annual salary of $49,679 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $64,335, highlighting a significant pay gap. The salary range for this role in the area spans from $37,443 at the 10th percentile to $75,260 at the 90th percentile, reflecting various compensation levels based on experience and qualifications. As of 2026, local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data show that while the market compensation for counselors is competitive, it still falls short of ASCA's recommended 1:250 counselor-to-student ratio, an indication of the growing demand for mental health support in schools amidst recent funding expansions.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,443 | $18.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,786 | $19.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,679 | $23.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,768 | $29.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,260 | $36.19 |
Median Salary Position
22.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, MS, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,817 (2026 est.). At $49,679, the local median is 22.78% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clinton School Counselor Pay Compares
Clinton median: $49,679/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $54,058 | -8.10% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -22.78% less |
School Counselors in Clinton, MS earn a median of $49,679 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.78% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 8.10% below the Mississippi state average of $54,058.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clinton, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $49,679 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,968 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,164
2025 BLS Actual
$48,681
2026 Current Est.
$49,679
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,164 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,982 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,510 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,698 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,974 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,681 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,679 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,697 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $43,164 (2019) to $48,681 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,697 by 2027 — a total increase of $7,533 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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) | $37,443 – $40,786 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,786 – $49,679 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,679 – $61,768 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,768 – $75,260 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Clinton
Salary figures for school counselors in Clinton come with specific local context that influences take-home pay. Currently, five school counselors are employed in the area, creating a limited job market that can affect salary negotiations. With a cost-of-living index of 85.7, the purchasing power for school counselor pay in Clinton is better than many regions, though salaries remain relatively low compared to national averages. Local school districts, particularly K-12 public schools, generally offer the most competitive salaries, with compensation influenced by factors such as the traditional step-and-lane pay scale and various contract enhancements, including stipends for leadership roles and summer sessions. To maximize pay in Clinton, aspiring school counselors should consider pursuing advanced degrees and engaging in specialized training, as these credentials can lead to higher-placement columns on pay scales and better long-term earning potential.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
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 $48,681 for school counselorsin the Clinton 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 Clinton 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