Springfield vs St. Louis: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Springfield, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,725 | $60,166▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.83 | $28.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,033 | $45,404▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,054 | $48,775▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,906 | $74,877▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,648▲ | $91,538 |
| Total Employed | 740 | 3,680▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Louis is $6,441 (11.99%). St. Louis's median is -6.48% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $51,615,St. Louis spans $46,134. Springfield 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, St. Louis ($63,274 effective) pays 4.33% more than Springfield ($60,648 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,648)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,166/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,274)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Springfield grew 18.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$44,390 (2019) → $52,646 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$48,380 (2019) → $58,957 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Springfield or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Louis as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Springfield vs St. Louis?
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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