Iowa City vs Waterloo: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Iowa City, IA and Waterloo, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | Waterloo, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,855▲ | $53,225 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.78▲ | $25.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,834▲ | $41,754 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,834▲ | $45,244 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,217▲ | $63,535 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,157 | $75,507▲ |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterloo.
The salary gap between Iowa City and Waterloo is $6,630 (12.46%). Iowa City's median is -6.96% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $27,323,Waterloo spans $33,753. Waterloo 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, Iowa City ($65,409 effective) pays 6.99% more than Waterloo ($61,138 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,855/year)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,409)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Waterloo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,507)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Iowa City grew 7.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Waterloo over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$54,830 (2019) → $58,653 (2025)
Waterloo, IA
$50,830 (2019) → $52,156 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Waterloo, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Iowa City or Waterloo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and Waterloo?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to Waterloo as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Iowa City vs Waterloo?
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