School Counselor Salary in Alabama
Based on 4K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$59,570
$28.64/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-8.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $79K
4K employed in Alabama
School counselors in Alabama earn a median salary of $60,530 per year, with approximately 4,510 professionals currently employed in the state. This compensation is about 7% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. The salary range spans from $38,110 to $87,340 annually, demonstrating considerable variation within the profession based on individual circumstances and job placements.
School counselor salary in Alabama is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific district's funding level. Urban and suburban school systems typically offer higher compensation than rural districts. Additionally, advanced certifications, specialized training in mental health or college counseling, and the size of the student population served can all impact earning potential for counselors in the state.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,670 |
| 25th percentile | $45,590 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,570 |
| 75th percentile | $73,450 |
| 90th percentile | $78,570 |
Top-Paying Industries for School Counselor (U.S.)
Which industries pay School Counselors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). School Counselors in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Services | $66,180 | 319K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,160 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $62,640 | 90 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $58,570 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $56,030 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — School Counselor in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,580 |
| 2023 | $61,160 |
| 2024 | $60,530 |
| 2025 | $59,570 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,570 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,580 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $61,160 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $60,530 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $59,570 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,570 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,590 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,570 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $73,450 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,570 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to School Counselor ($59,570 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in AL | $69,000 | +15.8% | $33.17/hr |
| Librarian in AL | $64,650 | +8.5% | $31.08/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in AL | $61,990 | +4.1% | $29.80/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in AL | $61,770 | +3.7% | $29.70/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in AL | $61,380 | +3.0% | $29.51/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AL | $50,900 | -14.6% | $24.47/hr |
| Tutor in AL | $38,430 | -35.5% | $18.48/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in AL | $59,530 | -0.1% | $28.62/hr |
| Plumber in AL | $58,670 | -1.5% | $28.21/hr |
| Radiologic Technologist in AL | $60,700 | +1.9% | $29.18/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in AL | $60,890 | +2.2% | $29.27/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in AL | $58,240 | -2.2% | $28.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Alabama?
- The median salary for school counselors in Alabama is $60,530 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is about 6.9% below the national average for the position.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Alabama?
- School counselor salaries in Alabama range from $38,110 at the low end to $87,340 at the high end, depending on experience, education, and location within the state.
How many school counselors work in Alabama?
- There are currently 4,510 school counselors employed in Alabama, representing a significant portion of the education support workforce in the state.
Is the school counselor salary in Alabama higher or lower than the national average?
- School counselor salaries in Alabama are 6.9% lower than the national average, with the state median of $60,530 falling below the typical earnings for this role across the United States.