Rochester vs Savage: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Rochester, MN and Savage, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | Savage, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,576▲ | $62,465 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.01▲ | $30.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,764 | $47,544▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,526▲ | $51,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,768▲ | $79,955 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,768 | $96,821▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Savage.
The salary gap between Rochester and Savage is $4,111 (6.58%). Rochester's median is +3.48% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $39,004,Savage spans $49,277. Savage 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, Rochester ($73,305 effective) pays 15.59% more than Savage ($63,416 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,576/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,305)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Savage if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,821)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Rochester grew 38.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.2% growth in Savage over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$47,230 (2019) → $65,239 (2025)
Savage, MN
$66,665 (2024) → $61,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
Savage, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Rochester or Savage?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Savage?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Savage as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Rochester vs Savage?
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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