Creative & Education Boulder, CO Pop. 105,673

School Counselor Salary in Boulder, Colorado

The median school counselor salary in Boulder, CO is $76,979 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median and 21.9% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$76,979
vs State Avg
+$13,832
vs National
+$16,839
Cost of Living
128%

School Counselor Pay in Boulder: What to Expect (2026)

Boulder offers a median school counselor salary of $76,979, which is $13,832 above the Colorado state average of $63,147. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Boulder pays above average for this role.

However, Boulder's cost of living index is 128%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $76,979 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boulder should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Boulder spans from $48,896 at the 10th percentile to $121,344 at the 90th percentile — a $72,448 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,800. With a population of 105,673, Boulder is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Boulder by Experience

In Boulder, an entry-level school counselor earns around $51,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,200
+$11,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,800
+$16,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,800
+$23,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boulder, CO

Percentile Boulder
10th Percentile $48,896
25th Percentile $60,160
Median (50th) $76,979
75th Percentile $97,536
90th Percentile $121,344

School Counselor Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Denver, CO
$67,357
Pop. 715,522
Fort Collins, CO
$63,748
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$63,147
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$60,140
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a School Counselor in Boulder

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Boulder and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Boulder may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find School Counselor Jobs in Boulder

Browse open school counselor positions in Boulder, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Boulder

How much does a School Counselor make in Boulder, CO? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Boulder, Colorado is $76,979 per year, which is 28.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $48,896 (10th percentile) to $121,344 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Boulder? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,979, a school counselor in Boulder earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boulder compare to the Colorado state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Boulder's median school counselor salary of $76,979 is 21.9% above the Colorado state average of $63,147. The local cost of living index is 128% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boulder, CO? ▼
Boulder has a cost of living index of 128% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $76,979 in Boulder has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Boulder? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Boulder require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.