School Counselor Salary in Little Elm, TX: $64,971 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Little Elm, TX earns a median $64,971/year (≈ $31.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Little Elm's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $67,678 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the context of school counselor salaries in Little Elm, Texas, the projected median annual salary is $64,971 for 2026. This figure falls just above the national median of $64,335, reflecting a local market that provides competitive compensation within the state's educational system. Local salaries range between $44,480 at the lower end (P10) to $100,367 for those at the top of the scale (P90). Such figures represent estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions in Little Elm, which has seen a concerted effort to enhance mental health support in schools. Given the district typically operates with a counselor-to-student ratio that does not meet the recommended ASCA benchmark of 1:250, this disparity invites scrutiny regarding compensation practices and funding priorities in response to elevated mental health demands.
About the Little Elm Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,480 | $21.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,270 | $26.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,971 | $31.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,329 | $39.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,367 | $48.25 |
Median Salary Position
0.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Little Elm
In Little Elm, TX, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,887 (2026 est.). At $64,971, the local median is 0.99% above the national median of $64,335.
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At 40 hours/week in Little Elm: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Little Elm School Counselor Pay Compares
Little Elm median: $64,971/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Little Elm Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,981 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +0.99% more |
School Counselors in Little Elm, TX earn a median of $64,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.99% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.00% below the Texas state average of $66,981.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Little Elm has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Little Elm, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $64,971 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,678 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,451
2025 BLS Actual
$63,666
2026 Current Est.
$64,971
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Little Elm (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,451 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,885 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,519 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,073 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,481 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,666 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,971 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,303 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Little Elm metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $56,451 (2019) to $63,666 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,303 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,852 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Little Elm 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) | $44,480 – $54,270 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,270 – $64,971 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,971 – $81,329 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,329 – $100,367 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Little Elm
Examining the local employment landscape reveals that there are currently 12 school counselors working in Little Elm, TX. The cost of living index in the area sits at 96, which is below the national average, indicating that salaries can stretch further here than in higher-cost regions. Among the local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive school counselor pay in Little Elm TX, often adhering to a step-and-lane pay structure that accounts for years of experience and education levels. Additionally, the variance between lower and higher salaries is driven by these step increments, which can include stipends for roles like department heads or club advisors. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing advanced degrees or additional certifications is advisable, as these can significantly influence salary placement on the scale, particularly in a district where funding for mental health services has expanded since the post-COVID period. Being proactive in seeking additional roles or responsibilities may also be advantageous in increasing overall compensation within the local job market.
More salary data for Little Elm, TX:
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 $63,666 for school counselorsin the Little Elm 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 Little Elm 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