Riverside vs Oxnard: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Riverside, CA and Oxnard, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Oxnard, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,788 | $100,799▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.53 | $48.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,154 | $52,784▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,146 | $73,367▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,582 | $130,741▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,434▲ | $140,673 |
| Total Employed | 3,800▲ | 690 |
Verdict
Riverside and Oxnard are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Riverside and Oxnard is $4,011 (4.14%). Oxnard's median is +56.68% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $105,280,Oxnard spans $87,889. Riverside 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, Oxnard ($91,193 effective) pays 0.29% more than Riverside ($90,930 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,434)
- ✓Larger job market (3,800 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Oxnard if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,799/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,193)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Riverside grew 6.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.1% growth in Oxnard over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$89,050 (2019) → $94,844 (2025)
Oxnard, CA
$76,510 (2019) → $98,774 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Oxnard, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Riverside or Oxnard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Oxnard?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Oxnard as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Riverside vs Oxnard?
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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