Creative & Education Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

School Counselor Salary in Washington

The median school counselor salary in Washington is $69,161 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $60,140.

Median Salary
$69,161
vs National
+$9,021
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

School Counselor Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level school counselor earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,750 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
+$6,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,000
+$9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,750
+$12,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $43,930
25th Percentile $54,050
Median (50th) $69,161
75th Percentile $87,630
90th Percentile $109,020

Major Cities for School Counselors in Washington

The largest employment areas for school counselors in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries in major metro areas may be higher due to increased demand and cost of living.

Seattle, WA
Metro area for school counselor employment
Spokane, WA
Metro area for school counselor employment
Tacoma, WA
Metro area for school counselor employment
Bellevue, WA
Metro area for school counselor employment
Vancouver, WA
Metro area for school counselor employment

How to Become a School Counselor in Washington

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Washington has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook in Washington

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Washington's demand may vary based on local industry trends.