School Counselor Salary in Tennessee
Based on 6K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$59,960
$28.83/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-7.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$42K – $85K
6K employed in Tennessee
The School Counselor salary in Tennessee presents a median annual earning of $59,960. This figure places Tennessee's school counselors at approximately 8% below the national average for the profession. With 6,470 individuals employed in this vital role across the state, understanding these salary benchmarks is crucial for aspiring and current professionals.
Several factors can influence a School Counselor salary in Tennessee, contributing to the observed range of $42,410 to $84,550 annually. These include the specific school district's budget, the counselor's years of experience, their level of education and certifications, and whether they work in a public or private institution. Geographic location within Tennessee can also play a role, with larger urban areas potentially offering higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $42,410 |
| 25th percentile | $48,460 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,960 |
| 75th percentile | $69,820 |
| 90th percentile | $84,550 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,220 |
| 2023 | $52,850 |
| 2024 | $59,090 |
| 2025 | $59,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,843 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $51,220 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $52,850 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $59,090 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $59,960 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,843 | $65,893 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,460 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $69,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $84,550 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to School Counselor ($59,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in TN | $74,390 | +24.1% | $35.76/hr |
| Librarian in TN | $62,090 | +3.6% | $29.85/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in TN | $61,860 | +3.2% | $29.74/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in TN | $60,690 | +1.2% | $29.18/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in TN | $59,980 | +0.0% | $28.84/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in TN | $58,070 | -3.2% | $27.92/hr |
| Tutor in TN | $38,730 | -35.4% | $18.62/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in TN | $60,150 | +0.3% | $28.92/hr |
| Editor in TN | $59,550 | -0.7% | $28.63/hr |
| Police Officer in TN | $59,280 | -1.1% | $28.50/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in TN | $60,900 | +1.6% | $29.28/hr |
| Writer and Author in TN | $58,870 | -1.8% | $28.30/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a school counselor in Tennessee?
- The median salary for a school counselor in Tennessee is $59,960 per year, which breaks down to approximately $29 per hour. This is 7.7% lower than the national average salary for this profession.
How much can a school counselor in Tennessee expect to earn?
- School counselors in Tennessee typically earn between $42,410 and $84,550 annually. The median salary of $59,960 provides a good benchmark for this earning potential.
Is the salary for school counselors in Tennessee competitive with the national average?
- No, school counselors in Tennessee earn 7.7% less than the national average. The median salary here is $59,960 per year, while the national median is higher.
What is the typical hourly wage for a school counselor in Tennessee?
- Based on the median annual salary of $59,960, a school counselor in Tennessee can expect to earn around $29 per hour. This hourly rate reflects the overall salary range in the state, which is between $42,410 and $84,550 annually.