Maple Grove vs Minneapolis: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Maple Grove, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Maple Grove, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,482▲ | $64,606 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.48▲ | $31.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,941 | $49,275▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,784 | $58,805▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $83,818▲ | $78,947 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,498▲ | $98,638 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 3,050▲ |
Verdict
Maple Grove, MN offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Minneapolis.
The salary gap between Maple Grove and Minneapolis is $876 (1.36%). Maple Grove's median is +1.78% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Maple Grove spans $55,557,Minneapolis spans $49,363. Maple Grove 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, Maple Grove ($66,479 effective) pays 7.86% more than Minneapolis ($61,634 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Maple Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,482/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,498)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,479)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,050 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Maple Grove grew -8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.5% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Maple Grove, MN
$69,885 (2024) → $64,167 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$58,350 (2019) → $63,308 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Maple Grove, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Maple Grove or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Maple Grove and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Maple Grove to Minneapolis as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Maple Grove vs Minneapolis?
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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