Cedar Park vs Houston: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Cedar Park, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Park, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,668 | $75,936▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.05 | $36.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,781 | $46,775▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,281 | $57,355▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,335 | $85,668▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,336 | $106,520▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 6,480▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Park.
The salary gap between Cedar Park and Houston is $9,268 (13.90%). Houston's median is +18.03% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Park spans $58,555,Houston spans $59,745. Houston 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, Houston ($76,992 effective) pays 10.87% more than Cedar Park ($69,446 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Park if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,520)
- ✓Larger job market (6,480 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,992)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Cedar Park grew 3.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.6% growth in Houston over the same period.
Cedar Park, TX
$63,087 (2024) → $65,329 (2025)
Houston, TX
$66,660 (2019) → $74,411 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Park, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Cedar Park or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Park and Houston?
Should I relocate from Cedar Park to Houston as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Cedar Park vs Houston?
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