Ann Arbor vs Detroit: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,716 | $62,845▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.16 | $30.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,225▲ | $43,894 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,205▲ | $48,204 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,507 | $78,157▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,697 | $98,129▲ |
| Total Employed | 470 | 3,420▲ |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ann Arbor.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Detroit is $129 (0.21%). Detroit's median is -2.32% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $33,472,Detroit spans $54,235. Detroit 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, Detroit ($62,658 effective) pays 0.79% more than Ann Arbor ($62,169 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,845/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,129)
- ✓Larger job market (3,420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,658)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Ann Arbor grew 19.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.5% growth in Detroit over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$51,420 (2019) → $61,456 (2025)
Detroit, MI
$55,230 (2019) → $61,583 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Detroit, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Ann Arbor or Detroit?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Detroit?
Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Detroit as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Ann Arbor vs Detroit?
Related Comparisons
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