Milwaukee vs West Allis: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Milwaukee, WI and West Allis, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | West Allis, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,795 | $61,816▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.24 | $29.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,225▲ | $42,094 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,165▲ | $47,929 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,367 | $79,124▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,688 | $95,815▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,500▲ | 13 |
Verdict
West Allis, WI offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and West Allis is $1,021 (1.68%). West Allis's median is -3.92% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $45,463,West Allis spans $53,721. West Allis 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, West Allis ($66,184 effective) pays 5.53% more than Milwaukee ($62,716 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose West Allis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,816/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,815)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,184)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Milwaukee grew 17.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.3% growth in West Allis over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$50,800 (2019) → $59,574 (2025)
West Allis, WI
$59,824 (2024) → $60,574 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
West Allis, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Milwaukee or West Allis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and West Allis?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to West Allis as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Milwaukee vs West Allis?
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