Berkeley vs Los Angeles: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Berkeley, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Berkeley, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,090▲ | $79,007 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.68▲ | $37.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,436▲ | $49,694 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,331▲ | $60,545 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,856▲ | $109,110 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,490▲ | $135,042 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 17,110▲ |
Verdict
Berkeley, CA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Berkeley and Los Angeles is $18,083 (22.89%). Berkeley's median is +50.91% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Berkeley spans $81,054,Los Angeles spans $85,348. Los Angeles 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, Berkeley ($85,844 effective) pays 23.39% more than Los Angeles ($69,569 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Berkeley if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,090/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,490)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,844)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (17,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Berkeley grew -4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.9% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Berkeley, CA
$99,900 (2024) → $95,140 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$78,900 (2019) → $77,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Berkeley, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Berkeley or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Berkeley and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Berkeley to Los Angeles as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Berkeley vs Los Angeles?
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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