Lafayette vs New Orleans: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Lafayette, LA and New Orleans, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,455▲ | $59,205 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.06▲ | $28.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,325 | $46,494▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,415 | $48,454▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,455 | $64,735▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,346 | $78,947▲ |
| Total Employed | 310 | 770▲ |
Verdict
Lafayette and New Orleans are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lafayette and New Orleans is $1,250 (2.11%). Lafayette's median is -6.03% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $25,021,New Orleans spans $32,453. New Orleans 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, Lafayette ($69,322 effective) pays 8.42% more than New Orleans ($63,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,455/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,322)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,947)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Lafayette grew 7.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.1% growth in New Orleans over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$55,120 (2019) → $59,241 (2025)
New Orleans, LA
$54,180 (2019) → $58,016 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
New Orleans, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Lafayette or New Orleans?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and New Orleans?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to New Orleans as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Lafayette vs New Orleans?
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