Appleton vs Madison: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,895 | $67,516▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.76 | $32.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,614 | $51,115▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,615 | $60,466▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,327 | $82,268▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,467 | $99,969▲ |
| Total Employed | 180 | 910▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $5,621 (9.08%). Madison's median is +4.94% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $34,853,Madison spans $48,854. Madison 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, Madison ($69,399 effective) pays 3.62% more than Appleton ($66,972 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,516/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,969)
- ✓Larger job market (910 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,399)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Appleton grew 4.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$58,260 (2019) → $60,652 (2025)
Madison, WI
$52,220 (2019) → $66,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Appleton vs Madison?
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