School Counselor Salary in Waco, TX: $65,635 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Waco, TX earns a median $65,635/year (≈ $31.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Waco's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.5), that paycheck buys what $70,918 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Waco, TX, the projected median annual salary for school counselors in 2026 is $65,635, reflecting a competitive edge within the broader national context where the median stands at $64,335. With salaries ranging from $43,594 at the lower end to $96,529 for those at the high end, Waco’s school counseling positions offer a viable opportunity for those seeking to enter or advance in the field. This data, drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected to 2026, illustrates a positive salary trajectory that aligns with the growing demand for mental health services in schools. The significant disparities in salary highlight the varied responsibilities and experience levels within the profession, including the influence of local school district budgets and hiring practices.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,594 | $20.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,934 | $24.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,635 | $31.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,168 | $39.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,529 | $46.41 |
Median Salary Position
2.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waco
In Waco, TX, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,935 (2026 est.). At $65,635, the local median is 2.02% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Waco School Counselor Pay Compares
Waco median: $65,635/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $66,975 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +2.02% more |
School Counselors in Waco, TX earn a median of $65,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.02% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.00% below the Texas state average of $66,975.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waco has a cost of living 7.45% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waco, TX has a cost-of-living index of 92.55 (below the national average of 100). A school counselor earning $65,635 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,918 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,970
2025 BLS Actual
$64,317
2026 Current Est.
$65,635
2019–2027 Growth
+34.0%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Waco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,108 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,128 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,160 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,317 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,635 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,981 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waco metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 28.7% from $49,970 (2019) to $64,317 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,981 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,011 (34.04%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waco 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) | $43,594 – $51,934 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,934 – $65,635 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,635 – $82,168 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,168 – $96,529 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Waco
The job market for school counselors in Waco includes approximately 380 positions, suggesting a healthy demand in this region. With a cost of living index at 92.55, Waco's salary levels allow for a better purchasing power, fostering an environment conducive to professionals looking to establish their careers. K-12 public school districts typically offer some of the highest salaries, especially for those advancing through the step-and-lane pay structures tied to experience and education level. Factors contributing to the salary range include extended school year contracts, stipend roles in extracurricular activities, and varying placements based on credentials such as master’s versus doctorate degrees. For those in Waco aiming to maximize earnings, pursuing advanced certification and positioning themselves in schools with post-COVID funding for mental health resources could significantly enhance their pay prospects.
More salary data for Waco, 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 $64,317 for school counselorsin the Waco 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, 5-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