Bend vs Salem: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Bend, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bend, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,028▲ | $75,517 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.43▲ | $36.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,626▲ | $48,144 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,526▲ | $60,735 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,789▲ | $97,719 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,022▲ | $119,740 |
| Total Employed | 200 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Bend, OR offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Bend and Salem is $6,511 (8.62%). Bend's median is +27.50% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bend spans $67,396,Salem spans $71,596. Salem 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, Bend ($79,172 effective) pays 8.67% more than Salem ($72,858 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,028/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,022)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,172)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Bend grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.5% growth in Salem over the same period.
Bend, OR
$69,420 (2019) → $80,380 (2025)
Salem, OR
$73,660 (2019) → $74,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Bend or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bend and Salem?
Should I relocate from Bend to Salem as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Bend vs Salem?
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