Canton vs Cleveland: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Canton, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Canton, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,476▲ | $61,626 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.52▲ | $29.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,853 | $40,624▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,254 | $47,994▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,537▲ | $80,228 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,759 | $101,380▲ |
| Total Employed | 370 | 2,410▲ |
Verdict
Canton and Cleveland are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Canton and Cleveland is $1,850 (3.00%). Canton's median is -1.34% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Canton spans $57,906,Cleveland spans $60,756. Cleveland 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, Canton ($70,997 effective) pays 8.21% more than Cleveland ($65,613 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Canton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,476/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,997)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,380)
- ✓Larger job market (2,410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Canton grew 9.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Canton, OH
$56,860 (2019) → $62,201 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$51,480 (2019) → $60,388 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Canton, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Canton or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Canton and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Canton to Cleveland as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Canton vs Cleveland?
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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