Chicago vs Des Plaines: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,735▲ | $55,806 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.13▲ | $26.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,204▲ | $39,394 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,205▲ | $43,093 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,768▲ | $71,432 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,590▲ | $86,500 |
| Total Employed | 9,790▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Chicago and Des Plaines is $8,929 (16.00%). Chicago's median is +0.62% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $63,386,Des Plaines spans $47,106. Chicago 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, Chicago ($62,489 effective) pays 8.73% more than Des Plaines ($57,473 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,735/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,590)
- ✓Larger job market (9,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,489)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Chicago grew 18.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.3% growth in Des Plaines over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$53,580 (2019) → $63,435 (2025)
Des Plaines, IL
$63,833 (2024) → $54,685 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Des Plaines, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Chicago or Des Plaines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Des Plaines?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Des Plaines as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Chicago vs Des Plaines?
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