Kingston vs Rochester: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Kingston, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kingston, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,327▲ | $60,676 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.70▲ | $29.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,625▲ | $44,264 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,605▲ | $51,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,409▲ | $73,607 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,671▲ | $87,028 |
| Total Employed | 170 | 1,560▲ |
Verdict
Kingston, NY offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Kingston and Rochester is $15,651 (25.79%). Kingston's median is +18.64% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kingston spans $73,046,Rochester spans $42,764. Kingston 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, Kingston ($75,790 effective) pays 21.21% more than Rochester ($62,530 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kingston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,327/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,671)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,790)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Kingston grew 17.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Kingston, NY
$63,790 (2019) → $74,794 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$50,040 (2019) → $59,457 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kingston, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Kingston or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kingston and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Kingston to Rochester as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Kingston vs Rochester?
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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