Birmingham vs Vestavia Hills: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Birmingham, AL and Vestavia Hills, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Vestavia Hills, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,026▲ | $56,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.30▲ | $27.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,674 | $40,519▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,464▲ | $45,062 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,447▲ | $71,906 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,617 | $87,297▲ |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Vestavia Hills.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills is $6,706 (11.91%). Birmingham's median is -2.03% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $42,943,Vestavia Hills spans $46,778. Vestavia Hills 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, Birmingham ($68,773 effective) pays 7.34% more than Vestavia Hills ($64,073 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,026/year)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,773)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Vestavia Hills if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,297)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Birmingham grew 5.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Vestavia Hills over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$58,380 (2019) → $61,760 (2025)
Vestavia Hills, AL
$48,944 (2024) → $55,189 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Vestavia Hills, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Birmingham or Vestavia Hills?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Vestavia Hills?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Vestavia Hills as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Birmingham vs Vestavia Hills?
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