Orlando vs Palm Coast: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Orlando, FL and Palm Coast, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Orlando, FL | Palm Coast, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,844 | $57,606▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.48 | $27.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,053 | $39,154▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,884▲ | $44,609 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,435 | $72,630▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,286 | $89,290▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,620▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Palm Coast, FL offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Orlando.
The salary gap between Orlando and Palm Coast is $8,762 (17.94%). Palm Coast's median is -10.46% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Orlando spans $36,233,Palm Coast spans $50,136. Palm Coast 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, Palm Coast ($57,149 effective) pays 18.66% more than Orlando ($48,161 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Orlando if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,620 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Coast if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,606/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,290)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,149)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Orlando grew 1.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.7% growth in Palm Coast over the same period.
Orlando, FL
$47,070 (2019) → $47,863 (2025)
Palm Coast, FL
$60,481 (2024) → $56,449 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Orlando, FL
Palm Coast, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Orlando or Palm Coast?
What is the hourly rate difference between Orlando and Palm Coast?
Should I relocate from Orlando to Palm Coast as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Orlando vs Palm Coast?
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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