School Counselor Salary in Arkansas
Based on 2K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$59,770
$28.74/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-8.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $78K
2K employed in Arkansas
School counselors in Arkansas earn a median salary of $59,770 per year, with approximately 2,310 professionals currently employed in the state. This figure falls about 8% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences. The salary range typically spans from $38,520 to $78,070 annually, depending on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence school counselor salary in Arkansas, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district's funding level. Urban districts and those with higher per-pupil spending often offer more competitive compensation packages. Additionally, advanced certifications, specialized training, and administrative responsibilities can lead to higher earnings within the profession.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,520 |
| 25th percentile | $46,610 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,770 |
| 75th percentile | $67,570 |
| 90th percentile | $78,070 |
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,190 |
| 2023 | $57,780 |
| 2024 | $60,110 |
| 2025 | $59,770 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,770 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,190 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $57,780 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $60,110 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $59,770 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $59,770 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,610 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,770 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $67,570 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,070 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to School Counselor ($59,770 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in AR | $67,100 | +12.3% | $32.26/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in AR | $59,660 | -0.2% | $28.68/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in AR | $59,570 | -0.3% | $28.64/hr |
| Librarian in AR | $56,800 | -5.0% | $27.31/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in AR | $52,700 | -11.8% | $25.34/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in AR | $52,060 | -12.9% | $25.03/hr |
| Tutor in AR | $30,810 | -48.5% | $14.81/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in AR | $59,460 | -0.5% | $28.59/hr |
| Operations Research Analyst in AR | $59,030 | -1.2% | $28.38/hr |
| Tax Examiner in AR | $60,600 | +1.4% | $29.13/hr |
| Social Worker in AR | $58,590 | -2.0% | $28.17/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in AR | $61,230 | +2.4% | $29.44/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for school counselors in Arkansas is $59,770 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This is about 8% below the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Arkansas?
- School counselor salaries in Arkansas range from $38,520 at the lower end to $78,070 at the higher end, depending on experience, education, and location within the state.
How many school counselors are employed in Arkansas?
- There are approximately 2,310 school counselors currently employed in Arkansas, making it a stable field with consistent job opportunities throughout the state.
Is the school counselor salary in Arkansas higher or lower than the national average?
- The median school counselor salary in Arkansas is 8% lower than the national average, with Arkansas counselors earning $59,770 compared to higher salaries in many other states.