Bristol vs Richmond: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Bristol, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,743 | $67,626▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.69 | $32.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,998 | $47,725▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,299 | $54,985▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,802 | $82,747▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,911▲ | $92,358 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,480▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Richmond is $5,883 (9.53%). Richmond's median is +5.12% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $48,913,Richmond spans $44,633. Bristol has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($69,106 effective) pays 15.51% more than Bristol ($59,828 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,911)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,626/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,106)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Bristol grew -12.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$69,467 (2024) → $60,503 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$59,240 (2019) → $66,268 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Bristol or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Richmond as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Bristol vs Richmond?
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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