Oak Lawn vs Springfield: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Oak Lawn, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Oak Lawn, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,250 | $57,215▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.04 | $27.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,176▲ | $37,833 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,959 | $47,734▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,000 | $74,777▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $87,187 | $96,749▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Lawn.
The salary gap between Oak Lawn and Springfield is $965 (1.72%). Springfield's median is -11.07% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oak Lawn spans $47,011,Springfield spans $58,916. Springfield 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, Springfield ($61,691 effective) pays 6.49% more than Oak Lawn ($57,930 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Oak Lawn if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,215/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,749)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,691)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Oak Lawn grew -14.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Oak Lawn, IL
$64,340 (2024) → $55,120 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$50,160 (2019) → $56,066 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Oak Lawn, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Oak Lawn or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Oak Lawn and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Oak Lawn to Springfield as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Oak Lawn vs Springfield?
Related Comparisons
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