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School Counselor Salary in Boulder, CO

How much does a school counselor make in Boulder? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Boulder's cost of living.

Median Salary
$112,951
per year in Boulder
Entry Level
$75,919
Starting salary
Senior Level
$155,539
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
145
45% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how school counselor salaries break down across different pay periods in Boulder.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$75,919$112,951$155,539
Monthly$6,327$9,413$12,962
Biweekly$2,920$4,344$5,982
Weekly$1,460$2,172$2,991
Hourly$36$54$75

Boulder vs National Average

How Boulder's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

Boulder Salary
$112,951
COL Index: 145
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$36,581
Higher in Boulder

Cost of Living in Boulder

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,800
per month
Median Income
$72,340
per year
Population
105,673
residents
Rent % of Income
29.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 145 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Boulder have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About School Counselor

Overview

Provide counseling and guidance services to students.

Education

Master's degree in School Counseling; Certification required

Key Skills

CounselingStudent SupportCrisis InterventionCollege/Career Guidance

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: School Counselor Salary

See School Counselor salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$77,970
-31%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-24%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-43%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-33%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-47%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Boulder, CO — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Boulder, CO is $112,951 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 145. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Boulder's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Boulder can expect to earn around $75,919 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $155,539 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Boulder's cost of living index of 145 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Boulder are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,370, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a school counselor's salary in Boulder typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,800 per month, housing represents about 19.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

School Counselors are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 13% over the next decade. In Boulder, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.