Bethesda vs Lexington Park: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Bethesda, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethesda, MD | Lexington Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,561 | $76,736▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.00 | $36.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,621▲ | $40,714 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,783 | $57,545▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,198 | $95,288▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,169 | $108,430▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Lexington Park, MD offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bethesda.
The salary gap between Bethesda and Lexington Park is $10,175 (15.29%). Lexington Park's median is +19.28% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethesda spans $56,548,Lexington Park spans $67,716. Lexington Park 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, Lexington Park ($76,157 effective) pays 25.06% more than Bethesda ($60,898 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethesda if…
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,736/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,430)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,157)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Bethesda grew -20.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.3% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.
Bethesda, MD
$82,345 (2024) → $65,224 (2025)
Lexington Park, MD
$73,470 (2024) → $75,195 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethesda, MD
Lexington Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Bethesda or Lexington Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethesda and Lexington Park?
Should I relocate from Bethesda to Lexington Park as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Bethesda vs Lexington Park?
Related Comparisons
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