Creative & Education Fort Collins, CO Pop. 169,810

School Counselor Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado

The median school counselor salary in Fort Collins, CO is $63,748 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median and 1.0% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$63,748
vs State Avg
+$601
vs National
+$3,608
Cost of Living
106%

School Counselor Pay in Fort Collins: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Collins offers a median school counselor salary of $63,748, which is $601 above the Colorado state average of $63,147. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Fort Collins pays above average for this role.

Fort Collins's cost of living is 106% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for school counselors in Fort Collins spans from $40,492 at the 10th percentile to $100,488 at the 90th percentile — a $59,996 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,400, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,100. With a population of 169,810, Fort Collins is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Fort Collins by Experience

In Fort Collins, an entry-level school counselor earns around $42,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,400
+$2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$63,600
+$3,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,100
+$5,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Collins, CO

Percentile Fort Collins
10th Percentile $40,492
25th Percentile $49,820
Median (50th) $63,748
75th Percentile $80,772
90th Percentile $100,488

School Counselor Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$76,979
Pop. 105,673
Denver, CO
$67,357
Pop. 715,522
Aurora, CO
$63,147
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$60,140
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a School Counselor in Fort Collins

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Fort Collins

Browse open school counselor positions in Fort Collins, CO:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Fort Collins

How much does a School Counselor make in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Fort Collins, Colorado is $63,748 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $40,492 (10th percentile) to $100,488 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Fort Collins? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $63,748, a school counselor in Fort Collins earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Collins compare to the Colorado state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Fort Collins's median school counselor salary of $63,748 is 1.0% above the Colorado state average of $63,147. The local cost of living index is 106% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Collins, CO? ▼
Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 106% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $63,748 in Fort Collins has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Fort Collins? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Fort Collins 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.