School Counselor Salary in Colorado
Based on 7K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$64,780
$31.14/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
-0.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $98K
7K employed in Colorado
School counselors in Colorado earn a median salary of $64,780 per year, with approximately 6,530 professionals currently employed in the state. This salary aligns with the national average, positioning Colorado as a competitive market for school counselors. The salary range spans from $48,690 to $97,960 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence school counselor salary in Colorado, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific school district. Urban districts and those with higher funding levels typically offer more competitive compensation packages. Additionally, specialized certifications, advanced degrees, and leadership roles can substantially impact earning potential within the field.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,690 |
| 25th percentile | $57,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,780 |
| 75th percentile | $78,420 |
| 90th percentile | $97,960 |
Top-Paying Industries for School Counselor (U.S.)
Which industries pay School Counselors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). School Counselors in Colorado tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Services | $66,180 | 319K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $63,160 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $62,640 | 90 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $58,570 | 2K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $56,030 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — School Counselor in Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,740 |
| 2023 | $60,660 |
| 2024 | $63,900 |
| 2025 | $64,780 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,672 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $59,740 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $60,660 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $63,900 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $64,780 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,672 | $65,831 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,780 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $78,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $97,960 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to School Counselor ($64,780 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in CO | $82,160 | +26.8% | $39.50/hr |
| Librarian in CO | $76,480 | +18.1% | $36.77/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in CO | $72,900 | +12.5% | $35.05/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in CO | $63,760 | -1.6% | $30.65/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in CO | $63,410 | -2.1% | $30.49/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in CO | $62,870 | -2.9% | $30.23/hr |
| Tutor in CO | $44,710 | -31.0% | $21.50/hr |
| Social Worker in CO | $65,620 | +1.3% | $31.55/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in CO | $63,670 | -1.7% | $30.61/hr |
| Plumber in CO | $63,240 | -2.4% | $30.40/hr |
| Graphic Designer in CO | $66,330 | +2.4% | $31.89/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in CO | $67,010 | +3.4% | $32.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Colorado?
- School counselors in Colorado earn a median salary of $64,780 per year, or approximately $31 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.2%, making it a competitive salary for the education sector in the state.
What is the salary range for school counselors in Colorado?
- School counselor salaries in Colorado range from a low of $48,690 to a high of $97,960 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, location within the state, and school district funding levels.
Is the school counselor salary in Colorado above or below the national average?
- Colorado's school counselor median salary of $64,780 is slightly below the national average, falling 0.2% lower than the national median. Despite this minor difference, Colorado remains competitive for school counselor positions.
How many school counselors are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 6,530 school counselors currently employed in Colorado, indicating a substantial workforce in this profession across the state's educational institutions.