Senior School Counselor Salary in Augusta, GA: $82,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Augusta, GA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $82,537/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Augusta's price premium (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $89,809 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In Augusta, experienced school counselors have significant earning potential characterized by top-tier salaries reaching $82,537. For those who ascend to the 75th percentile, the projected annual salary stands at $80,637 in 2026, illustrating the stark contrast with the median salary of $62,606 that reflects the value of seasoned professionals in the field. Attaining such advanced compensation often necessitates not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also specialized training and a focus on high-demand areas, such as college readiness and mental health support. The salary spectrum available to senior school counselors indicates that those with the right qualifications and experience can effectively close the income gap between average pay and top earners, making it a compelling career for dedicated professionals in Augusta.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Augusta
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Augusta earn between $80,637 and $82,537 per year (2026 est.). This $40,093 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Augusta median of $62,606 sits 2.69% below the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Augusta | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $62,606 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,637 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $82,537 | $104,780 |
In Augusta, experienced school counselors (P90) earn 31.84% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top School Counselor Pay in Augusta
Advanced Certifications in Georgia
GA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $62,606 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Augusta employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Augusta command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,637–$82,537 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Augusta metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced school counselors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured school counselors in Augusta with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
School Counselors in Georgia who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
School Counselor Career & Wage Growth Path in Augusta
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAugusta ranks #36 of 40 Georgia cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $82,537).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Augusta ($82,537) is 17.83% below the Georgia average P90 ($100,444).
2019 BLS Actual
$81,950
2025 BLS Actual
$80,879
2026 Current Est.
$82,537
2019–2027 Growth
+2.8%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,010 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,260 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,879 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,229 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Augusta saw their compensation grow -1.3% from $81,950 in 2019 to $80,879 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.05% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $84,229 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Augusta 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.
Maximizing Your School Counselor Earnings in Augusta
Advanced specializations in Augusta act as strong levers for increasing senior school counselor pay GA, particularly in roles like high school college counseling or trauma-informed strategies. Different employer types impact compensation levels, with K-12 public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions offering varied pay; for example, charter schools often provide competitive salaries to attract experienced professionals. Those pursuing leadership roles—like a district counseling coordinator or dean of students—can also elevate their earnings while enhancing their impact. A master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program, combined with state certifications and the potential for National Board certification, creates pathways to higher pay. Furthermore, the K-12 step-and-lane pay scale benefits seasoned counselors, as veteran educators may find additional compensation through stipends for supervising extracurricular activities or leading specialized programs, all of which contribute to an appealing total compensation package in Augusta.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Augusta in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Augusta?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Augusta?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Augusta?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Augusta?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $80,879 for school counselors in the Augusta metro area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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