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School Counselor Salary in Olympia, WA

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

Median Salary
$94,088
per year in Olympia
Entry Level
$63,240
Starting salary
Senior Level
$129,563
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
110
10% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$63,240$94,088$129,563
Monthly$5,270$7,841$10,797
Biweekly$2,432$3,619$4,983
Weekly$1,216$1,809$2,492
Hourly$30$45$62

Olympia vs National Average

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

Olympia Salary
$94,088
COL Index: 110
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$17,718
Higher in Olympia

Cost of Living in Olympia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$56,120
per year
Population
55,605
residents
Rent % of Income
27.8%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 110 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Olympia 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
-17%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-9%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-32%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-20%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-36%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in Olympia, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in Olympia, WA is $94,088 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 110. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Olympia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in Olympia can expect to earn around $63,240 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $129,563 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Olympia's cost of living index of 110 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Olympia 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 Olympia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 16.6% 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 Olympia, 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.