School Counselor Salary in Washington
Based on 7K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$82,670
$39.75/hr
vs National Average
$64,937
+27.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $126K
7K employed in Washington
The median School Counselor salary in Washington is $82,670 per year, placing it significantly above the national average at 27% higher. With 6,610 individuals employed in this role across the state, the job market offers a considerable range for earnings, typically falling between $57,980 and $125,950 annually.
Several factors influence the specific School Counselor salary in Washington. Experience levels, the type of school district (public versus private), and the specific geographic location within the state can all impact an individual's earning potential. Additional certifications or advanced degrees may also lead to higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — School Counselor in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $57,980 |
| 25th percentile | $65,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,670 |
| 75th percentile | $104,690 |
| 90th percentile | $125,950 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,770 |
| 2023 | $80,260 |
| 2024 | $83,930 |
| 2025 | $82,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,670 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $77,770 | $58,481 |
| 2023 | $80,260 | $60,688 |
| 2024 | $83,930 | $65,026 |
| 2025 | $82,670 | $64,937 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,670 | $64,937 |
School Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $104,690 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $125,950 |
School Counselor Salary in Other States
Related School Counselor Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to School Counselor ($82,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs School Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher in WA | $102,670 | +24.2% | $49.36/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in WA | $102,350 | +23.8% | $49.21/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in WA | $102,140 | +23.6% | $49.11/hr |
| Librarian in WA | $100,030 | +21.0% | $48.09/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in WA | $99,960 | +20.9% | $48.06/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in WA | $97,250 | +17.6% | $46.75/hr |
| Tutor in WA | $48,020 | -41.9% | $23.09/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in WA | $82,790 | +0.1% | $39.80/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in WA | $83,150 | +0.6% | $39.98/hr |
| Training and Development Specialist in WA | $81,860 | -1.0% | $39.36/hr |
| Producer and Director in WA | $81,550 | -1.4% | $39.21/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in WA | $84,050 | +1.7% | $40.41/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Washington state?
- School counselors in Washington earn a median salary of $82,670 per year, which equates to about $40 per hour. The salary range for these professionals in Washington spans from $57,980 to $125,950 annually.
What is the average salary for a school counselor in Washington compared to the national average?
- School counselors in Washington are compensated significantly higher than the national average, earning approximately 27.3% more. This means the median salary of $82,670 in Washington is considerably above the national median.
What is the typical salary range for school counselors in Washington?
- In Washington, the salary range for school counselors typically falls between $57,980 and $125,950 per year. The median annual salary is $82,670, providing a good benchmark within this spectrum.
How many school counselors are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 6,610 school counselors employed across Washington state. This indicates a substantial number of professionals in this field within the state.