School Counselor Salary in Richardson, TX: $67,786 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Richardson, TX earns a median $67,786/year (≈ $32.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Richardson's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $70,610 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Richardson, TX, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $67,786, which is higher than the national median of $64,335, reflecting a competitive local job market. Salaries for this occupation in Richardson range from $44,344 at the lower end (P10) to as much as $105,068 at the upper end (P90). These estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional pricing, indicating a localized perspective on compensation. Within the K-12 sector, the step-and-lane pay scale closely mirrors that of teaching positions, where placement depends on both education levels and years of experience. With a healthy demand for counselors, particularly in light of expanded mental health funding post-COVID, the salary dynamics in Richardson are promising for both new entrants and veteran professionals in the field.
About the Richardson Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,344 | $21.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,377 | $26.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,786 | $32.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,766 | $41.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,068 | $50.51 |
Median Salary Position
5.36% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richardson
In Richardson, TX, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,724 (2026 est.). At $67,786, the local median is 5.36% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Richardson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Richardson School Counselor Pay Compares
Richardson median: $67,786/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richardson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,982 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +5.36% more |
School Counselors in Richardson, TX earn a median of $67,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $66,982.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richardson 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.
Richardson, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $67,786 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,610 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,897
2025 BLS Actual
$66,424
2026 Current Est.
$67,786
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Richardson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,012 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,098 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,719 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,145 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,424 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,786 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,175 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richardson metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $58,897 (2019) to $66,424 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,175 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,278 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richardson 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) | $44,344 – $55,377 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,377 – $67,786 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,786 – $86,766 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,766 – $105,068 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Richardson
Currently, there are 24 school counselors employed in the Richardson area, showcasing the robustness of the local job market. The cost of living index in Richardson sits at 96, moderately below the national average, which can enhance the overall take-home pay for educators. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive salaries, with variances being driven by factors such as experience, expertise, and advanced education (such as obtaining a master's degree plus 30 hours). The pay disparities are pronounced; counselors with additional qualifications or those who engage in extended school year programs or leadership roles can see significant increases in their compensation. To maximize salary potential in Richardson, counselors should focus on continuing education and seek out positions that align with high-demand areas, allowing them to leverage their skills effectively in a dynamic environment.
More salary data for Richardson, 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 $66,424 for school counselorsin the Richardson 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 Richardson 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