Atlantic City vs Paterson: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,927▲ | $72,581 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.50▲ | $34.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,345▲ | $51,699 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,996▲ | $58,177 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,579▲ | $92,903 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,439 | $112,501▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Atlantic City, NJ offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Paterson.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Paterson is $3,346 (4.61%). Atlantic City's median is +18.02% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $52,094,Paterson spans $60,802. Paterson 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, Atlantic City ($76,805 effective) pays 21.90% more than Paterson ($63,004 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,927/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,805)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,501)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Atlantic City grew -8.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -24.7% growth in Paterson over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$81,600 (2019) → $74,402 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$94,397 (2024) → $71,123 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Atlantic City or Paterson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Paterson?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Paterson as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Atlantic City vs Paterson?
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