School Counselor Salary in Portland, OR: $70,965 (2026)

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

Portland offers a median school counselor salary of $70,965, which is $4,811 above the Oregon state average of $66,154. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Portland pays above average for this role.

However, Portland's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $70,965 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Portland should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Portland spans from $45,076 at the 10th percentile to $111,864 at the 90th percentile — a $66,788 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,200, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,300. As a major metro area with a population of 652,503, Portland typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level school counselor earns around $47,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$47,200

+$7,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$70,800

+$10,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$100,300

+$15,300 vs national

Percentile	Portland	OR State	National
10th Percentile	$45,076	$42,020	$38,200
25th Percentile	$55,460	$51,700	$47,000
Median (50th)	$70,965	$66,154	$60,140
75th Percentile	$89,916	$83,820	$76,200
90th Percentile	$111,864	$104,280	$94,800

Percentile

Portland

10th Percentile

$45,076

25th Percentile

$55,460

Median (50th)

$70,965

75th Percentile

$89,916

90th Percentile

$111,864

How to Become a School Counselor in Portland

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Portland

How much does a School Counselor make in Portland, OR? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Portland, Oregon is $70,965 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $45,076 (10th percentile) to $111,864 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Portland? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $70,965, a school counselor in Portland earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Portland's median school counselor salary of $70,965 is 7.3% above the Oregon state average of $66,154. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Portland, OR? ▼

Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $70,965 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Portland? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Portland 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.

School Counselor Salary in Portland, Oregon