Columbia vs Spartanburg: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Columbia, SC and Spartanburg, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Spartanburg, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,076 | $61,985▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.88 | $29.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,643 | $41,464▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,825▲ | $49,815 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,667▲ | $72,886 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,217▲ | $79,057 |
| Total Employed | 1,560▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Columbia and Spartanburg are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Columbia and Spartanburg is $1,909 (3.18%). Spartanburg's median is -3.65% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $40,574,Spartanburg spans $37,593. Columbia 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, Spartanburg ($68,077 effective) pays 6.14% more than Columbia ($64,141 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,217)
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Spartanburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,985/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,077)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Columbia grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.0% growth in Spartanburg over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$49,290 (2019) → $58,869 (2025)
Spartanburg, SC
$48,990 (2019) → $60,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Spartanburg, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Columbia or Spartanburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Spartanburg?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Spartanburg as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Columbia vs Spartanburg?
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