Los Angeles vs Santa Maria: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Maria, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Maria, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,007 | $86,508▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.98 | $41.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,694 | $57,555▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,545 | $67,666▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,110▲ | $107,830 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,042▲ | $126,591 |
| Total Employed | 17,110▲ | 710 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Santa Maria are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Maria is $7,501 (9.49%). Santa Maria's median is +34.46% 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,Santa Maria spans $69,036. 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, Santa Maria ($79,512 effective) pays 14.29% 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 Santa Maria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,508/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,512)
- ✓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 -1.1% growth in Santa Maria over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$78,900 (2019) → $77,420 (2025)
Santa Maria, CA
$85,750 (2019) → $84,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Maria, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Los Angeles or Santa Maria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Maria?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Maria as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Maria?
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