San Antonio vs El Paso: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between San Antonio, TX and El Paso, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Antonio, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,095 | $70,817▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.41 | $34.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,543 | $38,024▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,854▲ | $43,824 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,767 | $80,947▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,519 | $103,799▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,120▲ | 960 |
Verdict
El Paso, TX offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between San Antonio and El Paso is $11,722 (19.84%). El Paso's median is +10.08% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Antonio spans $59,976,El Paso spans $65,775. El Paso 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, El Paso ($78,763 effective) pays 26.24% more than San Antonio ($62,392 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,817/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,799)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,763)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in San Antonio grew 0.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.8% growth in El Paso over the same period.
San Antonio, TX
$57,400 (2019) → $57,908 (2025)
El Paso, TX
$69,960 (2019) → $69,394 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Antonio, TX
El Paso, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: San Antonio or El Paso?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Antonio and El Paso?
Should I relocate from San Antonio to El Paso as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in San Antonio vs El Paso?
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