Creative & Education Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

School Counselor Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median school counselor salary in Denver, CO is $67,357 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$67,357
vs State Avg
+$4,210
vs National
+$7,217
Cost of Living
112%

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

Denver offers a median school counselor salary of $67,357, which is $4,210 above the Colorado state average of $63,147. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $67,357 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Denver spans from $42,784 at the 10th percentile to $106,176 at the 90th percentile — a $63,392 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $95,200. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level school counselor earns around $44,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,800
+$4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
+$7,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,200
+$10,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $42,784
25th Percentile $52,640
Median (50th) $67,357
75th Percentile $85,344
90th Percentile $106,176

School Counselor Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$76,979
Pop. 105,673
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 Denver

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Denver 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find School Counselor Jobs in Denver

Browse open school counselor positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Denver

How much does a School Counselor make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Denver, Colorado is $67,357 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $42,784 (10th percentile) to $106,176 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $67,357, a school counselor in Denver earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Denver's median school counselor salary of $67,357 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $63,147. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $67,357 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Denver? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Denver 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.