School Counselor Salary in Gulfport, MS: $61,606 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Gulfport, MS earns a median $61,606/year (≈ $29.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Gulfport's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.0), that paycheck buys what $68,447 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.0% above the Mississippi state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gulfport, Mississippi, the projected median annual salary for school counselors in 2026 stands at $61,606, which reflects a 4.24% decrease compared to the national median of $64,335. The full salary range for counselors in this area is significant, stretching from $44,014 at the 10th percentile to $76,987 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys and indicate a robust job market for school counseling professionals, particularly in light of the ongoing mental health initiatives that have led to increased hiring. The step-and-lane pay scale prevalent in Gulfport's K-12 districts ensures that counselors can expect to see pay increases based on their years of experience and educational qualifications, making this an appealing aspect for those entering or advancing in the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,014 | $21.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,484 | $23.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,606 | $29.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,586 | $34.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,987 | $37.01 |
Median Salary Position
4.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport
In Gulfport, MS, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,973 (2026 est.). At $61,606, the local median is 4.24% below the national median of $64,335.
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At 40 hours/week in Gulfport: You'd be above the median
How Gulfport School Counselor Pay Compares
Gulfport median: $61,606/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gulfport Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $54,040 | +14.00% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | -4.24% less |
School Counselors in Gulfport, MS earn a median of $61,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.24% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 14.00% above the Mississippi state average of $54,040.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gulfport has a cost of living 9.99% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gulfport, MS has a cost-of-living index of 90.006 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $61,606 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,447 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,710
2025 BLS Actual
$60,368
2026 Current Est.
$61,606
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,790 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,368 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,606 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,868 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gulfport metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 6.5% from $56,710 (2019) to $60,368 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,868 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,158 (10.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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) | $44,014 – $48,484 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,484 – $61,606 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,606 – $72,586 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,586 – $76,987 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Gulfport
In terms of the local job market, there are approximately 270 school counselors currently employed in Gulfport, highlighting a steady demand for professionals in this role. Living in Gulfport is notably affordable, with a cost-of-living index of 90.006, allowing for greater purchasing power relative to salary. While K-12 public school districts dominate employment opportunities, the potential for higher pay exists in specialized positions, including roles in charter schools and post-secondary institutions. Factors contributing to the pay disparity range from the step-and-lane system that rewards experience and additional education, to extended school year contracts and stipends for extra responsibilities. For those looking to maximize their earning potential in Gulfport, pursuing advanced qualifications, seeking positions with summer programs, and taking on additional roles such as department heads or club advisors can significantly enhance school counselor pay in Gulfport, MS.
More salary data for Gulfport, 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 $60,368 for school counselorsin the Gulfport 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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