Prescott vs Tucson: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Prescott, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Prescott, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,901▲ | $54,935 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.36▲ | $26.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,874 | $46,764▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,136 | $47,234▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,833▲ | $58,676 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,197▲ | $72,657 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,460▲ |
Verdict
Prescott, AZ offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Prescott and Tucson is $1,966 (3.58%). Prescott's median is -11.56% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Prescott spans $45,323,Tucson spans $25,893. Prescott 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, Prescott ($57,768 effective) pays 1.89% more than Tucson ($56,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Prescott if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,901/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,197)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,768)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,460 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Prescott grew 14.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Prescott, AZ
$48,510 (2019) → $55,758 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$43,660 (2019) → $53,831 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Prescott, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Prescott or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Prescott and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Prescott to Tucson as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Prescott vs Tucson?
Related Comparisons
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