Suffolk vs Virginia Beach: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Suffolk, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Suffolk, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,273 | $69,846▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.94 | $33.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,617 | $46,544▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,692 | $58,685▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,705 | $83,447▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,523 | $103,389▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 1,830▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Suffolk.
The salary gap between Suffolk and Virginia Beach is $7,573 (12.16%). Virginia Beach's median is +8.57% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Suffolk spans $50,906,Virginia Beach spans $56,845. Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach ($71,314 effective) pays 18.18% more than Suffolk ($60,342 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,846/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,389)
- ✓Larger job market (1,830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,314)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Suffolk grew -14.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.5% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Suffolk, VA
$71,028 (2024) → $61,022 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$65,490 (2019) → $68,443 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Suffolk, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Suffolk or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Suffolk and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Suffolk to Virginia Beach as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Suffolk vs Virginia Beach?
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