Huntington vs South Charleston: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Huntington, WV and South Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | South Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,385▲ | $55,450 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.55▲ | $26.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,654 | $40,939▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,684▲ | $44,904 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,217▲ | $68,360 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,447 | $83,060▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Charleston.
The salary gap between Huntington and South Charleston is $3,935 (7.10%). Huntington's median is -7.69% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington spans $39,793,South Charleston spans $42,121. South Charleston 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, Huntington ($67,161 effective) pays 4.77% more than South Charleston ($64,104 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,385/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,161)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,060)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Huntington grew 21.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.4% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$47,970 (2019) → $58,192 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$44,745 (2024) → $54,336 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Huntington or South Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington and South Charleston?
Should I relocate from Huntington to South Charleston as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Huntington vs South Charleston?
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