Ashland vs Eugene: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Ashland, OR and Eugene, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, OR | Eugene, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,816▲ | $58,385 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.56▲ | $28.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,969 | $50,305▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,356▲ | $50,544 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,201▲ | $82,078 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,216 | $110,480▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Ashland and Eugene are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ashland and Eugene is $11,431 (19.58%). Ashland's median is +8.52% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $58,247,Eugene spans $60,175. Eugene 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, Ashland ($68,047 effective) pays 18.38% more than Eugene ($57,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,816/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,047)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,480)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Ashland grew -4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in Eugene over the same period.
Ashland, OR
$71,965 (2024) → $68,414 (2025)
Eugene, OR
$48,080 (2019) → $57,212 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, OR
Eugene, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Ashland or Eugene?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ashland and Eugene?
Should I relocate from Ashland to Eugene as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Ashland vs Eugene?
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