Baton Rouge vs Ruston: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,935 | $58,530▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.85 | $28.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,344▲ | $43,604 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,064 | $47,682▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,895 | $73,666▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,446 | $90,111▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,130▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Ruston, LA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baton Rouge.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Ruston is $595 (1.03%). Ruston's median is -9.02% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $29,102,Ruston spans $46,507. Ruston 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, Ruston ($64,817 effective) pays 1.56% more than Baton Rouge ($63,819 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,530/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,111)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,817)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Baton Rouge grew 0.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Ruston over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$56,340 (2019) → $56,771 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$50,364 (2024) → $57,354 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Baton Rouge or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Ruston?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Ruston as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Baton Rouge vs Ruston?
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