Alexandria vs Virginia Beach: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Alexandria, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alexandria, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,774▲ | $69,846 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.91▲ | $33.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,868▲ | $46,544 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,735▲ | $58,685 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,271▲ | $83,447 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,001▲ | $103,389 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 1,830▲ |
Verdict
Alexandria, VA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Alexandria and Virginia Beach is $6,928 (9.92%). Alexandria's median is +19.33% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alexandria spans $64,133,Virginia Beach spans $56,845. Alexandria 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, Alexandria ($74,393 effective) pays 4.32% more than Virginia Beach ($71,314 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alexandria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,774/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,001)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,393)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Alexandria grew 4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.5% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Alexandria, VA
$72,347 (2024) → $75,232 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$65,490 (2019) → $68,443 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alexandria, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Alexandria or Virginia Beach?
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Should I relocate from Alexandria to Virginia Beach as a school counselor?
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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