St. Louis vs Columbia: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between St. Louis, MO and Columbia, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Columbia, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,166▲ | $51,265 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.92▲ | $24.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,404▲ | $44,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,775▲ | $46,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,877▲ | $59,205 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,538▲ | $73,136 |
| Total Employed | 3,680▲ | 700 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Columbia is $8,901 (17.36%). 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 St. Louis spans $46,134,Columbia spans $28,352. St. Louis 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 10.39% more than Columbia ($57,319 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,166/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,538)
- ✓Larger job market (3,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,274)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in St. Louis grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.0% growth in Columbia over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$48,380 (2019) → $58,957 (2025)
Columbia, MO
$47,400 (2019) → $50,235 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Columbia, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: St. Louis or Columbia?
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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