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School Counselor Salary in Federal Way, WA

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

Median Salary
$109,484
per year in Federal Way
Entry Level
$73,588
Starting salary
Senior Level
$150,765
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
128
28% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$73,588$109,484$150,765
Monthly$6,132$9,124$12,564
Biweekly$2,830$4,211$5,799
Weekly$1,415$2,105$2,899
Hourly$35$53$72

Federal Way vs National Average

How Federal Way's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

Federal Way Salary
$109,484
COL Index: 128
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$33,114
Higher in Federal Way

Cost of Living in Federal Way

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,850
per month
Median Income
$60,234
per year
Population
100,608
residents
Rent % of Income
36.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 128 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Federal Way 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
-29%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-22%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-42%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-31%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-45%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Federal Way, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Federal Way, WA is $109,484 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 128. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Federal Way's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Federal Way can expect to earn around $73,588 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $150,765 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Federal Way's cost of living index of 128 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Federal Way 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 Federal Way typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,850 per month, housing represents about 20.3% 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 Federal Way, 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.