Athens vs Cincinnati: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Athens, OH and Cincinnati, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,595 | $61,835▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.21 | $29.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,762 | $46,225▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,814 | $50,275▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,956 | $79,487▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,689 | $96,688▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,470▲ |
Verdict
Cincinnati, OH offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cincinnati is $5,240 (9.26%). Cincinnati's median is -3.89% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $44,927,Cincinnati spans $50,463. Cincinnati 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, Cincinnati ($64,837 effective) pays 3.91% more than Athens ($62,398 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,835/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,688)
- ✓Larger job market (2,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,837)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Athens grew 3.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Cincinnati over the same period.
Athens, OH
$53,860 (2024) → $55,458 (2025)
Cincinnati, OH
$52,400 (2019) → $60,593 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Athens or Cincinnati?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cincinnati?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cincinnati as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Athens vs Cincinnati?
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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