Los Angeles vs Bakersfield: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Bakersfield, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Bakersfield, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,007 | $97,709▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.98 | $46.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,694 | $49,875▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,545 | $73,817▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,110 | $117,811▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,042▲ | $129,041 |
| Total Employed | 17,110▲ | 830 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Bakersfield are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Bakersfield is $18,702 (23.67%). Bakersfield's median is +51.88% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $85,348,Bakersfield spans $79,166. Los Angeles 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, Bakersfield ($96,851 effective) pays 39.22% more than Los Angeles ($69,569 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,042)
- ✓Larger job market (17,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,709/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,851)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Los Angeles grew -1.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Bakersfield over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$78,900 (2019) → $77,420 (2025)
Bakersfield, CA
$78,670 (2019) → $95,746 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Bakersfield, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Los Angeles or Bakersfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Bakersfield?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Bakersfield as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Los Angeles vs Bakersfield?
Related Comparisons
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