Salt Lake City vs Sandy: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Sandy, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Sandy, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,245 | $62,004▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.44 | $29.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,753 | $43,317▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,834 | $48,943▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,479▲ | $79,364 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,889▲ | $96,106 |
| Total Employed | 1,430▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Salt Lake City and Sandy are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Sandy is $759 (1.24%). Sandy's median is -3.62% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $69,136,Sandy spans $52,789. Salt Lake City 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, Sandy ($63,205 effective) pays 4.10% more than Salt Lake City ($60,718 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,889)
- ✓Larger job market (1,430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Sandy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,004/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,205)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Salt Lake City grew 29.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.0% growth in Sandy over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$46,390 (2019) → $60,015 (2025)
Sandy, UT
$59,588 (2024) → $60,758 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Salt Lake City or Sandy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Sandy?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Sandy as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Salt Lake City vs Sandy?
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