Farmington Hills vs Lansing: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Farmington Hills, MI and Lansing, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington Hills, MI | Lansing, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,979 | $68,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.87 | $32.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,304 | $45,254▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,998 | $48,394▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,213 | $83,978▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,867 | $90,008▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 980▲ |
Verdict
Lansing, MI offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington Hills.
The salary gap between Farmington Hills and Lansing is $10,307 (17.78%). Lansing's median is +6.14% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington Hills spans $50,563,Lansing spans $44,754. Farmington Hills 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, Lansing ($71,887 effective) pays 15.56% more than Farmington Hills ($62,209 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington Hills if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,286/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,008)
- ✓Larger job market (980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,887)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Farmington Hills grew -7.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Lansing over the same period.
Farmington Hills, MI
$61,601 (2024) → $56,814 (2025)
Lansing, MI
$61,210 (2019) → $66,914 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington Hills, MI
Lansing, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Farmington Hills or Lansing?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington Hills and Lansing?
Should I relocate from Farmington Hills to Lansing as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Farmington Hills vs Lansing?
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