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School Counselor Salary in Athens, AL

How much does a school counselor make in Athens? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Athens's cost of living.

Median Salary
$51,351
per year in Athens
Entry Level
$34,515
Starting salary
Senior Level
$70,713
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
82
18% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how school counselor salaries break down across different pay periods in Athens.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$34,515$51,351$70,713
Monthly$2,876$4,279$5,893
Biweekly$1,328$1,975$2,720
Weekly$664$988$1,360
Hourly$17$25$34

Athens vs National Average

How Athens's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

Athens Salary
$51,351
COL Index: 82
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$25,019
Lower in Athens

Cost of Living in Athens

1-Bedroom Rent
$720
per month
Median Income
$42,234
per year
Population
27,430
residents
Rent % of Income
20.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 82 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Athens have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About School Counselor

Overview

Provide counseling and guidance services to students.

Education

Master's degree in School Counseling; Certification required

Key Skills

CounselingStudent SupportCrisis InterventionCollege/Career Guidance

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: School Counselor Salary

See School Counselor salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$77,970
+52%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
+67%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
+24%
Houston, TX
$75,160
+46%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
+18%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Athens, AL — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Athens, AL is $51,351 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 82. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Athens's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Athens can expect to earn around $34,515 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $70,713 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Athens's cost of living index of 82 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Athens are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,370, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a school counselor's salary in Athens typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $720 per month, housing represents about 16.8% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

School Counselors are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 13% over the next decade. In Athens, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.