Creative & Education Bellevue, WA Pop. 151,854

School Counselor Salary in Bellevue, Washington

The median school counselor salary in Bellevue, WA is $91,413 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 32.2% above the Washington state average.

City Median
$91,413
vs State Avg
+$22,252
vs National
+$31,273
Cost of Living
152%

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

Bellevue offers a median school counselor salary of $91,413, which is $22,252 above the Washington state average of $69,161. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Bellevue pays above average for this role.

However, Bellevue's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $91,413 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Bellevue should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Bellevue spans from $58,064 at the 10th percentile to $144,096 at the 90th percentile — a $86,032 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $129,200. With a population of 151,854, Bellevue is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

School Counselor Salary in Bellevue by Experience

In Bellevue, an entry-level school counselor earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
+$20,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,200
+$31,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,200
+$44,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Bellevue, WA

Percentile Bellevue
10th Percentile $58,064
25th Percentile $71,440
Median (50th) $91,413
75th Percentile $115,824
90th Percentile $144,096

School Counselor Salary in Other Washington Cities

Seattle, WA
$89,007
Pop. 737,015
Tacoma, WA
$66,154
Pop. 219,346
Vancouver, WA
$61,343
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$55,329
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a School Counselor in Bellevue

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Bellevue

Browse open school counselor positions in Bellevue, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Bellevue

How much does a School Counselor make in Bellevue, WA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Bellevue, Washington is $91,413 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $58,064 (10th percentile) to $144,096 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Bellevue? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,413, a school counselor in Bellevue earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Bellevue compare to the Washington state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Bellevue's median school counselor salary of $91,413 is 32.2% above the Washington state average of $69,161. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Bellevue, WA? ▼
Bellevue has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $91,413 in Bellevue has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Bellevue? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Bellevue 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.