School Counselor Salary in University Park, TX: $63,434 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in University Park, TX earns a median $63,434/year (≈ $30.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in University Park's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $66,077 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated salary for school counselors in University Park, TX, is projected to reach $63,434, slightly below the national median of $64,335. This figure is part of a salary range that extends from $45,626 at the 10th percentile to $98,323 at the 90th percentile. Notably, the local market reflects the national trend of rising school counselor salaries alongside the ongoing expansion of mental health services, which has led to an increase in counselor hiring districts. Given that the ASCA recommends a 1:250 counselor-to-student ratio for optimal support, the smaller cohort of counselors in University Park may suggest a more favorable working environment for effective student engagement, despite the overall average ratios remaining significantly higher nationwide.
About the University Park Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,626 | $21.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,490 | $24.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,434 | $30.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,066 | $38.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,323 | $47.27 |
Median Salary Position
1.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Park
In University Park, TX, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,697 (2026 est.). At $63,434, the local median is 1.4% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Park School Counselor Pay Compares
University Park median: $63,434/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,984 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -1.40% less |
School Counselors in University Park, TX earn a median of $63,434 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.40% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 5.30% below the Texas state average of $66,984.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Park 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.
University Park, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $63,434 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,077 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,116
2025 BLS Actual
$62,160
2026 Current Est.
$63,434
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in University Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,116 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,469 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,111 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,628 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,028 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,160 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,434 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,735 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Park metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $55,116 (2019) to $62,160 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,735 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,619 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Park 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) | $45,626 – $50,490 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,490 – $63,434 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,434 – $81,066 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,066 – $98,323 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in University Park
Examining the job market in University Park, we find a tight-knit cohort of five school counselors currently employed in the area, which may create competition for positions in this relatively affluent environment. A cost of living index of 96 indicates that expenses are below the national average, enhancing the real value of the projected salaries. Employers such as local K-12 public school districts likely dominate the compensation landscape, with differences in pay attributed to variables like experience, advanced degrees, and specialized contract roles, including department heads or summer program coordinators. The disparity in salaries can also be influenced by the step-and-lane structure common in educational salary negotiations, meaning that pursuing additional qualifications can significantly enhance earning potential in University Park’s school counselor pay framework.
More salary data for University Park, 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 $62,160 for school counselorsin the University Park 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 University Park 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