Charlotte vs High Point: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Charlotte, NC and High Point, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | High Point, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,535▲ | $55,368 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.63▲ | $26.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,364▲ | $39,021 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,644▲ | $44,064 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,196 | $70,872▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,417 | $85,821▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,070▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Charlotte, NC offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to High Point.
The salary gap between Charlotte and High Point is $4,167 (7.53%). Charlotte's median is -7.46% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $35,053,High Point spans $46,800. High Point 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, Charlotte ($61,157 effective) pays 3.39% more than High Point ($59,154 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,535/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,070 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,157)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose High Point if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,821)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Charlotte grew 11.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.5% growth in High Point over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$52,550 (2019) → $58,339 (2025)
High Point, NC
$53,986 (2024) → $54,256 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
High Point, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Charlotte or High Point?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and High Point?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to High Point as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Charlotte vs High Point?
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