School Counselor Salary in Tennessee
School Counselor pay in Tennessee, explained
School counselors in Tennessee earn a median of $59,960 per year ($28.83 per hour), which is 7% below the national median of $64,330. Entry-level workers earn around $42,410, while the most experienced school counselors reach about $84,550. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $59,960 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $59,960 is worth about $65,266 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #30 for real pay (vs #34 on the sticker number).
School Counselor pay by experience in Tennessee
School Counselor pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $59,960 | $65,266 | — |
| Virginia | $67,660 | $66,921 | −$7,700 |
| Kentucky | $64,350 | $71,374 | −$4,390 |
| Georgia | $63,720 | $66,173 | −$3,760 |
| Arkansas | $59,770 | $68,751 | +$190 |
| Alabama | $59,570 | $67,066 | +$390 |
| Mississippi | $58,710 | $67,519 | +$1,250 |
| Missouri | $58,040 | $63,909 | +$1,920 |
| North Carolina | $57,630 | $61,097 | +$2,330 |
School Counselor in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do school counselors make in Tennessee?
School counselors in Tennessee earn a median of $59,960 per year ($28.83 per hour), compared with $64,330 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay school counselors well?
At $59,960, Tennessee pays 7% below the national median for school counselors. An estimated 6,470 work in the state.