Daly City vs San Francisco: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Daly City, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Daly City, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,279▲ | $94,609 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.73▲ | $45.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,703▲ | $58,015 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,841▲ | $69,936 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,078▲ | $122,031 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,883▲ | $149,993 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 5,270▲ |
Verdict
Daly City, CA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Francisco.
The salary gap between Daly City and San Francisco is $4,670 (4.94%). Daly City's median is +54.32% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Daly City spans $87,180,San Francisco spans $91,978. San Francisco 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, Daly City ($87,780 effective) pays 7.27% more than San Francisco ($81,832 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Daly City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,279/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,883)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,780)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Daly City grew -4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.3% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Daly City, CA
$102,152 (2024) → $97,285 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$73,410 (2019) → $92,708 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Daly City, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Daly City or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Daly City and San Francisco?
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What do entry-level school counselors earn in Daly City vs San Francisco?
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