Eugene vs Grants Pass: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Eugene, OR and Grants Pass, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Eugene, OR | Grants Pass, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,385 | $71,124▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.07 | $34.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,305 | $53,910▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,544 | $59,000▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,078 | $91,039▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,480▲ | $110,242 |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Eugene and Grants Pass are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Eugene and Grants Pass is $12,739 (21.82%). Grants Pass's median is +10.55% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Eugene spans $60,175,Grants Pass spans $56,332. Eugene 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, Grants Pass ($69,322 effective) pays 20.59% more than Eugene ($57,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Eugene if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,480)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Grants Pass if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,124/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,322)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Eugene grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 52.6% growth in Grants Pass over the same period.
Eugene, OR
$48,080 (2019) → $57,212 (2025)
Grants Pass, OR
$45,670 (2019) → $69,695 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Eugene, OR
Grants Pass, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Eugene or Grants Pass?
What is the hourly rate difference between Eugene and Grants Pass?
Should I relocate from Eugene to Grants Pass as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Eugene vs Grants Pass?
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