New Orleans vs Sulphur: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between New Orleans, LA and Sulphur, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New Orleans, LA | Sulphur, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,205▲ | $56,283 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.46▲ | $27.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,494▲ | $42,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,454▲ | $46,598 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,735 | $70,345▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,947 | $85,856▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 5 |
Verdict
New Orleans, LA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sulphur.
The salary gap between New Orleans and Sulphur is $2,922 (5.19%). New Orleans's median is -7.97% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New Orleans spans $32,453,Sulphur spans $42,899. Sulphur 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, New Orleans ($63,938 effective) pays 2.58% more than Sulphur ($62,329 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New Orleans if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,205/year)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,938)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Sulphur if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,856)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in New Orleans grew 7.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Sulphur over the same period.
New Orleans, LA
$54,180 (2019) → $58,016 (2025)
Sulphur, LA
$48,430 (2024) → $55,152 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New Orleans, LA
Sulphur, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: New Orleans or Sulphur?
What is the hourly rate difference between New Orleans and Sulphur?
Should I relocate from New Orleans to Sulphur as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in New Orleans vs Sulphur?
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