Modesto vs San Diego: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Modesto, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Modesto, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,379▲ | $83,528 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.37▲ | $40.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,815 | $52,505▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,466▲ | $64,985 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,231▲ | $118,321 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,891 | $134,202▲ |
| Total Employed | 430 | 3,900▲ |
Verdict
Modesto and San Diego are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Modesto and San Diego is $10,851 (12.99%). Modesto's median is +46.70% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Modesto spans $78,076,San Diego spans $81,697. San Diego 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, Modesto ($90,655 effective) pays 21.43% more than San Diego ($74,654 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,379/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,655)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,202)
- ✓Larger job market (3,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Modesto grew 27.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Modesto, CA
$72,590 (2019) → $92,483 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$66,420 (2019) → $81,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Modesto, CA
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Modesto or San Diego?
What is the hourly rate difference between Modesto and San Diego?
Should I relocate from Modesto to San Diego as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Modesto vs San Diego?
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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