School Counselor Salary in Temple, TX: $72,210 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Temple, TX earns a median $72,210/year (≈ $34.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Temple's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $75,219 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.8% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the comprehensive increase in post-COVID mental health funding, Temple, TX, has seen a positive impact on the hiring of school counselors, raising the 2026 median annual salary to $72,210. This performance places the local salary well above the national average, which sits at $64,335. Local estimates reveal a salary range from $52,739 at the 10th percentile to a high of $111,924 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse opportunities available in the region. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost of living differences, reflect the commitment to investing in mental health resources within the educational system. The evolving climate of school counseling positions Temple as a strong market for professionals dedicated to supporting students and addressing mental health challenges.
About the Temple Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,739 | $25.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,663 | $28.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,210 | $34.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,429 | $44.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,924 | $53.81 |
Median Salary Position
12.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Temple
In Temple, TX, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,185 (2026 est.). At $72,210, the local median is 12.24% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Temple: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Temple School Counselor Pay Compares
Temple median: $72,210/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Temple Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,985 | +7.80% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +12.24% more |
School Counselors in Temple, TX earn a median of $72,210 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.24% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 7.80% above the Texas state average of $66,985.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Temple 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.
Temple, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $72,210 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,219 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,740
2025 BLS Actual
$70,759
2026 Current Est.
$72,210
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Temple (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,740 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,928 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,557 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,150 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,877 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,212 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,759 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,210 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,690 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Temple metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $62,740 (2019) to $70,759 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,690 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,950 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Temple 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) | $52,739 – $58,663 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,663 – $72,210 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,210 – $92,429 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,429 – $111,924 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Temple
The local job market consists of 14 employed school counselors, signaling a moderate level of demand for these professionals. With a cost-of-living index at 96, Temple offers a competitive environment for school counselor pay compared to the national average. Among various employers, K-12 public school districts generally provide the most lucrative packages, as they adhere to the step-and-lane pay structure that aligns salaries with years of experience and education levels. Factors contributing to the salary range include district policies, the potential for additional stipends for roles such as department heads or club advisors, and variations in contractual obligations like summer programs. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this burgeoning market, obtaining advanced degrees, pursuing additional certifications beyond a master’s degree, and actively seeking positions that offer extended contracts or stipends could provide significant advantages. Overall, the landscape for school counselor salary in Temple reflects a responsive system aimed at enhancing mental health support for the community.
More salary data for Temple, 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 $70,759 for school counselorsin the Temple 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 Temple 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