Abilene vs Austin: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Abilene, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,005 | $61,576▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.88 | $29.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,364 | $45,794▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,874 | $50,025▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,966 | $76,757▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,647 | $98,349▲ |
| Total Employed | 350 | 3,500▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Abilene.
The salary gap between Abilene and Austin is $3,571 (6.16%). Austin's median is -4.29% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Abilene spans $40,283,Austin spans $52,555. Austin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Abilene ($64,190 effective) pays 2.23% more than Austin ($62,790 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Abilene if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,190)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,576/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,349)
- ✓Larger job market (3,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Abilene grew 13.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 4.4% growth in Austin over the same period.
Abilene, TX
$49,960 (2019) → $56,840 (2025)
Austin, TX
$57,770 (2019) → $60,339 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Abilene, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Abilene or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Abilene and Austin?
Should I relocate from Abilene to Austin as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Abilene vs Austin?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov