Creative & Education Waipahu, HI Pop. 38,216

School Counselor Salary in Waipahu, Hawaii

The median school counselor salary in Waipahu, HI is $97,427 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 4.7% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$97,427
vs State Avg
$-4,811
vs National
+$37,287
Cost of Living
162%

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

Waipahu offers a median school counselor salary of $97,427, which is $4,811 below the Hawaii state average of $102,238. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Waipahu pays above average for this role.

However, Waipahu's cost of living index is 162%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $97,427 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Waipahu should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Waipahu spans from $61,884 at the 10th percentile to $153,576 at the 90th percentile — a $91,692 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $137,700. Waipahu is a smaller market (pop. 38,216), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Waipahu by Experience

In Waipahu, an entry-level school counselor earns around $64,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $137,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$64,800
+$24,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,200
+$37,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$137,700
+$52,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Waipahu, HI

Percentile Waipahu
10th Percentile $61,884
25th Percentile $76,140
Median (50th) $97,427
75th Percentile $123,444
90th Percentile $153,576

School Counselor Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$105,245
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$102,238
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$101,035
Pop. 47,698
Hilo, HI
$91,413
Pop. 45,703

How to Become a School Counselor in Waipahu

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Waipahu

Browse open school counselor positions in Waipahu, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Waipahu

How much does a School Counselor make in Waipahu, HI? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Waipahu, Hawaii is $97,427 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $61,884 (10th percentile) to $153,576 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Waipahu? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,427, a school counselor in Waipahu earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Waipahu compare to the Hawaii state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Waipahu's median school counselor salary of $97,427 is 4.7% below the Hawaii state average of $102,238. The local cost of living index is 162% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Waipahu, HI? ▼
Waipahu has a cost of living index of 162% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $97,427 in Waipahu has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Waipahu? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Waipahu 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.