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School Counselor Salary in Burien, WA

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

Median Salary
$98,365
per year in Burien
Entry Level
$66,114
Starting salary
Senior Level
$135,453
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
115
15% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$66,114$98,365$135,453
Monthly$5,510$8,197$11,288
Biweekly$2,543$3,783$5,210
Weekly$1,271$1,892$2,605
Hourly$32$47$65

Burien vs National Average

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

Burien Salary
$98,365
COL Index: 115
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$21,995
Higher in Burien

Cost of Living in Burien

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$56,821
per year
Population
53,300
residents
Rent % of Income
29.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 115 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Burien 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
-21%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-13%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-35%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-24%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-39%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Burien, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Burien, WA is $98,365 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 115. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Burien's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Burien can expect to earn around $66,114 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $135,453 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Burien's cost of living index of 115 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Burien 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 Burien typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 17.1% 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 Burien, 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.