Senior School Counselor Salary in Hurst, TX: $100,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Hurst, TX — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $100,710/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Hurst's price premium (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $104,906 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
School counselors with extensive experience in Hurst, TX, have the opportunity to earn competitive salaries that reflect their advanced skill set and the high demand for their services, particularly in specialized roles. In 2026, top earners in the field can anticipate salaries reaching as high as $100,710, with those in the 75th percentile earning around $81,569. This significant gap between the median annual salary of $65,069 and the upper echelons showcases the premium placed on experience and specialized expertise. Achieving top-tier pay requires not only a solid foundation in school counseling but also demonstrated proficiency in areas such as mental health support, college counseling, and collaboration with special education. Senior counselors who invest in advanced credentials and leadership opportunities will find themselves well-positioned for these high-earning roles in Hurst.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hurst
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Hurst earn between $81,569 and $100,710 per year (2026 est.). This $56,001 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hurst median of $65,069 sits 1.14% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Hurst | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,069 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,569 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $100,710 | $104,780 |
In Hurst, experienced school counselors (P90) earn 54.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top School Counselor Pay in Hurst
Advanced Certifications in Texas
TX school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $65,069 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hurst employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Hurst command premium compensation, often reaching the $81,569–$100,710 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hurst 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 Hurst with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
School Counselors in Texas 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 Hurst
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHurst ranks #60 of 109 Texas cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $100,710).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Hurst ($100,710) is 0.93% below the Texas average P90 ($101,654).
2019 BLS Actual
$90,511
2025 BLS Actual
$98,687
2026 Current Est.
$100,710
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,511 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,225 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,489 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,809 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,241 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,100 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,687 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,775 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Hurst saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $90,511 in 2019 to $98,687 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 $102,775 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
Compensation for senior school counselors in Hurst can vary widely based on their area of specialization and the type of educational institution they work in. Roles that command higher salaries often include those focused on high school college counseling, trauma-informed counseling, and collaboration with special education staff. Additionally, working in different environments—such as K-12 public schools, charter schools, or private institutions—can significantly affect earning potential, with public districts typically adhering to a step-and-lane pay scale based on years of experience and education levels. Advancement opportunities are plentiful for driven individuals, with potential pathways leading to roles such as district counseling coordinator or school administrator, which may require further certifications. Advanced credentials, such as a Master's degree from a CACREP-accredited program and state school counselor certification, greatly enhance earning potential. Factors like summer programs, stipends for leadership positions, and district-specific compensation strategies impact overall remuneration, making it essential for experienced school counselors to consider all compensation drivers when planning their careers in this field.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Hurst in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Hurst?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Hurst?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Hurst?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Hurst?
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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 $98,687 for school counselors in the Hurst 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
Salary data for Hurst 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