Fayetteville vs Hot Springs: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Hot Springs, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Hot Springs, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,606 | $65,796▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.61 | $31.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,483 | $45,264▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,114 | $56,735▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,427 | $76,027▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,937▲ | $78,847 |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Fayetteville and Hot Springs are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Hot Springs is $4,190 (6.80%). Hot Springs's median is +2.27% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $43,454,Hot Springs spans $33,583. Fayetteville 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, Hot Springs ($76,748 effective) pays 13.81% more than Fayetteville ($67,437 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,937)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,796/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,748)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Fayetteville grew 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Hot Springs over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$55,530 (2019) → $60,368 (2025)
Hot Springs, AR
$54,110 (2019) → $64,474 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Fayetteville or Hot Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Hot Springs?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Hot Springs as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Fayetteville vs Hot Springs?
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