Bonita Springs vs Tampa: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Bonita Springs, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bonita Springs, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,800 | $56,065▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.83 | $26.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,505 | $40,593▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,438 | $48,115▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,424 | $78,847▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,489 | $91,338▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 3,230▲ |
Verdict
Tampa, FL offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bonita Springs.
The salary gap between Bonita Springs and Tampa is $265 (0.47%). Tampa's median is -12.85% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bonita Springs spans $46,984,Tampa spans $50,745. Tampa 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, Tampa ($55,570 effective) pays 0.39% more than Bonita Springs ($55,357 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bonita Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,065/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,338)
- ✓Larger job market (3,230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,570)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Bonita Springs grew -6.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Bonita Springs, FL
$58,584 (2024) → $54,679 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$54,110 (2019) → $54,939 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bonita Springs, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Bonita Springs or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bonita Springs and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Bonita Springs to Tampa as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Bonita Springs vs Tampa?
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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