by School Counselor Certification Staff
Updated: September 30th, 2026
School Counselor Salaries in Georgia: A Brief Overview
The average salary for school counselors in Georgia is generally competitive, but there can be significant variation based on factors such as location, experience, and educational attainment. While the exact figures fluctuate, the median salary of $81,628 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025) and projected to grow 10.3% from 2024 to 2034.
Positive Factors Affecting Salary:
- Experience: Counselors with more years of experience typically command higher salaries.
- Education: Additional certifications or advanced degrees can increase earning potential.
- Location: Salaries in larger cities or more affluent districts may be higher than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Role and Responsibilities: Counselors in specialized roles, such as those working in college counseling or mental health services, may earn more than general school counselors.
- School District: The specific school district can influence salary due to factors like budget allocations and union negotiations.
Negative Factors Affecting Salary:
- Economic Conditions: Economic downturns can impact school budgets and lead to salary freezes or cuts.
- Funding Priorities: If a school district prioritizes other areas, such as teacher salaries or curriculum development, counselor salaries may be affected.
- Workload and Stress: High student-to-counselor ratios and increasing demands on counselors can lead to burnout and job dissatisfaction, potentially affecting salary expectations.
Why Understanding Salary is Important:
- Financial Planning: Knowing the salary range for school counselors in Georgia can help you make informed decisions about education, career paths, and financial planning.
- Negotiation: Understanding the factors that influence salaries can give you leverage when negotiating your salary or discussing raises.
- Job Satisfaction: While salary is important, it’s essential to consider other factors like job satisfaction, work-life balance, and career advancement opportunities when choosing a career in school counseling.
By understanding the factors that affect school counselor salaries in Georgia, you can make more informed decisions about your career and financial future.
Georgia School Counselor Salaries – Visualized
School Counselors Salaries in urban areas of Georgia
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|
| Albany, GA | 170 | $70,985 |
| Athens-Clarke County, GA | 180 | $79,266 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 6,550 | $86,807 |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC | 450 | $76,915 |
| Brunswick-St. Simons, GA | 100 | $91,079 |
| Columbus, GA-AL | 280 | $75,149 |
| Dalton, GA | 80 | $82,344 |
| Gainesville, GA | 210 | $73,407 |
| Hinesville, GA | 50 | $85,172 |
| Macon-Bibb County, GA | 300 | $71,033 |
| Rome, GA | 70 | $69,839 |
| Savannah, GA | 660 | $74,493 |
| Valdosta, GA | 130 | $71,665 |
| Warner Robins, GA | 170 | $79,707 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025 |
School Counselors Salaries in rural areas of Georgia
| Metro Area | # Employed | Mean Salary |
|---|
| North Georgia nonmetropolitan area | 380 | $82,595 |
| Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area | 380 | $71,844 |
| East Georgia nonmetropolitan area | 360 | $71,247 |
| South Georgia nonmetropolitan area | 460 | $79,600 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2025 |
