Creative & Education Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

School Counselor Salary in Colorado

The median school counselor salary in Colorado is $63,147 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$63,147
vs National
+$3,007
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

School Counselor Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for school counselor compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for school counselor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $63,147 per year, school counselors in Colorado earn $3,007 more than the national median of $60,140.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning school counselor salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: school counselors at the 10th percentile earn $40,110, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $99,540 — a $59,430 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $76,979.

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for school counselors across the country.

School Counselor Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level school counselor earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $89,250 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,000
+$3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$89,250
+$4,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $40,110
25th Percentile $49,350
Median (50th) $63,147
75th Percentile $80,010
90th Percentile $99,540

School Counselor Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for school counselors in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a School Counselor in Colorado

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Colorado has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in Colorado

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Colorado's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Colorado

How much does a School Counselor make in Colorado? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Colorado is $63,147 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $40,110 (10th percentile) to $99,540 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,147, a school counselor in Colorado earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for school counselors? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for school counselor pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level school counselors earn $42,000, while senior professionals earn $89,250.
How does Colorado compare to other states for school counselor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for school counselors is Hawaii at $102,238. Colorado's median of $63,147 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Maryland ($66,154) and Oregon ($66,154).
What is the entry-level school counselor salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level school counselor in Colorado earns approximately $42,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $63,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $89,250.
What city in Colorado pays school counselors the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for school counselors, with a median salary of $76,979. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.