Ann Arbor vs Grand Rapids: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,716▲ | $49,965 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.16▲ | $24.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,225▲ | $39,704 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,205▲ | $45,564 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,507▲ | $64,026 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,697▲ | $80,578 |
| Total Employed | 470 | 1,090▲ |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids is $12,751 (25.52%). Ann Arbor's median is -2.52% 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,Grand Rapids spans $40,874. Grand Rapids 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, Ann Arbor ($62,169 effective) pays 18.88% more than Grand Rapids ($52,294 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,716/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,697)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,169)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓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 -8.3% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$51,420 (2019) → $61,456 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$53,390 (2019) → $48,961 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids?
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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