Jonesboro vs Little Rock: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Jonesboro, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jonesboro, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,425 | $61,666▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.21 | $29.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,303 | $40,424▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,233 | $49,915▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,556 | $73,067▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,907 | $79,537▲ |
| Total Employed | 150 | 520▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Jonesboro and Little Rock is $9,241 (17.63%). Little Rock's median is -4.15% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jonesboro spans $38,604,Little Rock spans $39,113. Little Rock 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, Little Rock ($69,005 effective) pays 13.04% more than Jonesboro ($61,047 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,666/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,537)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,005)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Jonesboro grew 3.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.8% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Jonesboro, AR
$49,820 (2019) → $51,372 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$56,580 (2019) → $60,427 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jonesboro, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Jonesboro or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jonesboro and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Jonesboro to Little Rock as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Jonesboro vs Little Rock?
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