Fort Wayne vs Shelbyville: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Shelbyville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Shelbyville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,585▲ | $55,552 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.66▲ | $26.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,874▲ | $40,463 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,084▲ | $44,585 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,127▲ | $68,108 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,637 | $82,602▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelbyville.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Shelbyville is $4,033 (7.26%). Fort Wayne's median is -7.38% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $37,763,Shelbyville spans $42,139. Shelbyville 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, Fort Wayne ($64,366 effective) pays 5.79% more than Shelbyville ($60,846 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,585/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,366)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Shelbyville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,602)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Fort Wayne grew 7.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.0% growth in Shelbyville over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$54,450 (2019) → $58,388 (2025)
Shelbyville, IN
$53,914 (2024) → $54,436 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Shelbyville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Fort Wayne or Shelbyville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Shelbyville?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Shelbyville as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Fort Wayne vs Shelbyville?
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