Forest Grove vs Salem: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Forest Grove, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Forest Grove, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,913 | $75,517▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.57 | $36.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,963▲ | $48,144 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,228 | $60,735▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,542 | $97,719▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,464 | $119,740▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Forest Grove.
The salary gap between Forest Grove and Salem is $3,604 (5.01%). Salem's median is +17.38% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Forest Grove spans $61,501,Salem spans $71,596. Salem 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, Salem ($72,858 effective) pays 3.95% more than Forest Grove ($70,091 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Forest Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,517/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,740)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,858)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Forest Grove grew -4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.5% growth in Salem over the same period.
Forest Grove, OR
$74,126 (2024) → $70,468 (2025)
Salem, OR
$73,660 (2019) → $74,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Forest Grove or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Forest Grove and Salem?
Should I relocate from Forest Grove to Salem as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Forest Grove vs Salem?
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