Hillsboro vs Portland: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Hillsboro, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,192▲ | $78,407 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.55▲ | $37.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,946▲ | $52,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,692 | $62,895▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,646▲ | $99,229 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,298 | $126,472▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 2,400▲ |
Verdict
Hillsboro and Portland are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hillsboro and Portland is $1,785 (2.28%). Hillsboro's median is +24.65% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $69,352,Portland spans $73,688. Portland 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, Hillsboro ($78,160 effective) pays 5.09% more than Portland ($74,375 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,192/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,160)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,472)
- ✓Larger job market (2,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Hillsboro grew 0.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.5% growth in Portland over the same period.
Hillsboro, OR
$78,429 (2024) → $78,581 (2025)
Portland, OR
$63,240 (2019) → $76,832 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Hillsboro or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hillsboro and Portland?
Should I relocate from Hillsboro to Portland as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Hillsboro vs Portland?
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