Creative & Education Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

School Counselor Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median school counselor salary in Tacoma, WA is $66,154 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 4.3% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$66,154
vs State Avg
$-3,007
vs National
+$6,014
Cost of Living
110%

School Counselor Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level school counselor earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
+$4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
+$6,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$93,500
+$8,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $42,020
25th Percentile $51,700
Median (50th) $66,154
75th Percentile $83,820
90th Percentile $104,280

School Counselor Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$91,413
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$89,007
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$61,343
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$55,329
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a School Counselor in Tacoma

Education

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

Find School Counselor Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open school counselor positions in Tacoma, WA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Tacoma

How much does a School Counselor make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Tacoma, Washington is $66,154 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $42,020 (10th percentile) to $104,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,154, a school counselor in Tacoma earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Tacoma's median school counselor salary of $66,154 is 4.3% below the Washington state average of $69,161. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $66,154 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Tacoma? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Tacoma 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.