Los Angeles vs Vista: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Vista, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Vista, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,007 | $99,194▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.98 | $47.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,694 | $66,907▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,545 | $76,670▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,110 | $126,968▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $135,042 | $153,751▲ |
| Total Employed | 17,110▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Vista, CA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Vista is $20,187 (25.55%). Vista's median is +54.18% 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,Vista spans $86,844. Vista 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, Vista ($87,705 effective) pays 26.07% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (17,110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Vista if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,194/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,751)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,705)
- ✓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 -4.8% growth in Vista over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$78,900 (2019) → $77,420 (2025)
Vista, CA
$102,063 (2024) → $97,201 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Los Angeles or Vista?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Vista?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Vista as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Los Angeles vs Vista?
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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