Augusta vs Pooler: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Augusta, GA and Pooler, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Pooler, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,606▲ | $58,089 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.10▲ | $27.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,444▲ | $39,753 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,894▲ | $48,510 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,637▲ | $72,791 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,537 | $89,573▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pooler.
The salary gap between Augusta and Pooler is $4,517 (7.78%). Augusta's median is -2.69% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $40,093,Pooler spans $49,820. Pooler 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, Augusta ($68,122 effective) pays 9.18% more than Pooler ($62,394 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,606/year)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,122)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Pooler if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,573)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Augusta grew 5.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.3% growth in Pooler over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$57,970 (2019) → $61,348 (2025)
Pooler, GA
$58,862 (2024) → $56,922 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Pooler, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Augusta or Pooler?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Pooler?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Pooler as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Augusta vs Pooler?
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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