North Port vs Tampa: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between North Port, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | North Port, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,676▲ | $56,065 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.66▲ | $26.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,694▲ | $40,593 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,454▲ | $48,115 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,507 | $78,847▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,609▲ | $91,338 |
| Total Employed | 550 | 3,230▲ |
Verdict
North Port, FL offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between North Port and Tampa is $5,611 (10.01%). North Port's median is -4.13% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in North Port spans $52,915,Tampa spans $50,745. North Port has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Port ($60,220 effective) pays 8.37% more than Tampa ($55,570 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose North Port if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,676/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,609)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,220)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in North Port grew 36.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.5% growth in Tampa over the same period.
North Port, FL
$44,200 (2019) → $60,437 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$54,110 (2019) → $54,939 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
North Port, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: North Port or Tampa?
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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