Mayaguez vs Ponce: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Mayaguez, PR and Ponce, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mayaguez, PR | Ponce, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,865 | $53,145▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.41 | $25.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,892 | $25,192▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,924▲ | $34,073 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,576▲ | $57,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,118▲ | $76,586 |
| Total Employed | 70 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Ponce, PR offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mayaguez.
The salary gap between Mayaguez and Ponce is $280 (0.53%). Ponce's median is -17.39% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mayaguez spans $59,226,Ponce spans $51,394. Mayaguez has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mayaguez if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,118)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose Ponce if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,145/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Mayaguez grew 16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.6% growth in Ponce over the same period.
Mayaguez, PR
$44,480 (2019) → $51,803 (2025)
Ponce, PR
$36,010 (2019) → $52,077 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mayaguez, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Mayaguez or Ponce?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mayaguez and Ponce?
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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