San Diego vs San Rafael: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between San Diego, CA and San Rafael, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | San Rafael, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,528 | $98,140▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.16 | $47.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,505 | $68,915▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,985 | $77,733▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,321 | $125,507▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,202 | $152,118▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,900▲ | 11 |
Verdict
San Rafael, CA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to San Diego.
The salary gap between San Diego and San Rafael is $14,612 (17.49%). San Rafael's median is +52.55% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $81,697,San Rafael spans $83,203. San Rafael 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, San Rafael ($86,773 effective) pays 16.23% more than San Diego ($74,654 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Rafael if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,140/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($152,118)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,773)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in San Diego grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.8% growth in San Rafael over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$66,420 (2019) → $81,850 (2025)
San Rafael, CA
$100,980 (2024) → $96,169 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
San Rafael, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: San Diego or San Rafael?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and San Rafael?
Should I relocate from San Diego to San Rafael as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in San Diego vs San Rafael?
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