Hackensack vs Trenton: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Hackensack, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hackensack, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,695 | $77,327▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.50 | $37.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,183▲ | $49,675 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,273 | $60,385▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,432 | $97,309▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,027▲ | $102,849 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hackensack.
The salary gap between Hackensack and Trenton is $7,632 (10.95%). Trenton's median is +20.19% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hackensack spans $55,844,Trenton spans $53,174. Hackensack 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, Trenton ($74,944 effective) pays 23.88% more than Hackensack ($60,499 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hackensack if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,027)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,327/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,944)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Hackensack grew -24.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.1% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Hackensack, NJ
$90,644 (2024) → $68,295 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$72,810 (2019) → $75,774 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hackensack, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Hackensack or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hackensack and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Hackensack to Trenton as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Hackensack vs Trenton?
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