School Counselor Pay

Aguadilla vs Ponce: School Counselor Salary (2026)

Compare school counselor salaries between Aguadilla, PR and Ponce, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Aguadilla, PR
$53,584
$25.76/hr
Ponce, PR
$53,145
$25.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAguadilla, PRPonce, PR
Median Salary$53,584$53,145
Hourly Rate$25.76$25.55
Entry Level (P10)$28,013$25,192
25th Percentile$35,524$34,073
75th Percentile$64,256$57,995
Top Earner (P90)$76,807$76,586
Total Employed70100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Aguadilla ($53,584) and Ponce ($53,145) school counselor salaries.AguadillaPonceMedian Salary$53,584$53,145Entry Level (P10)$28,013$25,192Top Earner (P90)$76,807$76,586US Median $64,335

Verdict

Aguadilla, PR offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ponce.

The salary gap between Aguadilla and Ponce is $439 (0.83%). Aguadilla's median is -16.71% compared to the US national median of $64,335.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aguadilla spans $48,794,Ponce spans $51,394. Ponce has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.

Aguadilla
P10 (Entry)$28,013
P25$35,524
Median$53,584
P75$64,256
P90 (Top)$76,807
Ponce
P10 (Entry)$25,192
P25$34,073
Median$53,145
P75$57,995
P90 (Top)$76,586

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Aguadilla if…

  • Higher median salary ($53,584/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($76,807)
  • You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle

Choose Ponce if…

  • Larger job market (100 employed)
  • You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Aguadilla grew 19.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 44.6% growth in Ponce over the same period.

Aguadilla, PR

+19.2%

$44,060 (2020) → $52,508 (2025)

Ponce, PR

+44.6%

$36,010 (2019) → $52,077 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays school counselors more: Aguadilla or Ponce?

Aguadilla has a higher median school counselor salary at $53,584/year, compared to Ponce at $53,145/year — a difference of $439 (0.83%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Aguadilla and Ponce?

Aguadilla school counselors earn $25.76/hr while Ponce hygienists earn $25.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Aguadilla to Ponce as a school counselor?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Aguadilla and Ponce. Factor in cost of living, job availability (70 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level school counselors earn in Aguadilla vs Ponce?

Entry-level (10th percentile) school counselors earn $28,013 in Aguadilla and $25,192 in Ponce. The Aguadilla area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by James Patel, M.A.Data verified by Linda Chen, LPC

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