Castle Rock vs Colorado Springs: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Castle Rock, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Castle Rock, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,709 | $62,645▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.67 | $30.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,134 | $47,564▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,369 | $56,355▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,034▲ | $77,497 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,648▲ | $81,778 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 860▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Castle Rock.
The salary gap between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs is $936 (1.52%). Colorado Springs's median is -2.63% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Castle Rock spans $50,514,Colorado Springs spans $34,214. Castle Rock 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, Colorado Springs ($62,205 effective) pays 5.84% more than Castle Rock ($58,770 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Castle Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,648)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,645/year)
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,205)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Castle Rock grew -16.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Castle Rock, CO
$72,401 (2024) → $60,469 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$50,640 (2019) → $61,387 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Castle Rock, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Castle Rock or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Castle Rock to Colorado Springs as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Castle Rock vs Colorado Springs?
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