Grand Rapids vs Waterford: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Waterford, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Waterford, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,965 | $56,498▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.02 | $27.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,704 | $40,715▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,564▲ | $45,487 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,026 | $72,318▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,578 | $87,572▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,090▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Waterford, MI offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Waterford is $6,533 (13.08%). Waterford's median is -12.18% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $40,874,Waterford spans $46,857. Waterford 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, Waterford ($60,620 effective) pays 15.92% more than Grand Rapids ($52,294 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Waterford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,498/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,572)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,620)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Grand Rapids grew -8.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.8% growth in Waterford over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$53,390 (2019) → $48,961 (2025)
Waterford, MI
$60,027 (2024) → $55,363 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Waterford, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Grand Rapids or Waterford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Waterford?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Waterford as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Grand Rapids vs Waterford?
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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