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School Counselor Salary in University Place, WA

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

Median Salary
$89,811
per year in University Place
Entry Level
$60,365
Starting salary
Senior Level
$123,674
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
105
5% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$60,365$89,811$123,674
Monthly$5,030$7,484$10,306
Biweekly$2,322$3,454$4,757
Weekly$1,161$1,727$2,378
Hourly$29$43$59

University Place vs National Average

How University Place's school counselor salaries compare to national figures.

University Place Salary
$89,811
COL Index: 105
National Average
$76,370
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$13,441
Higher in University Place

Cost of Living in University Place

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,200
per month
Median Income
$56,234
per year
Population
34,750
residents
Rent % of Income
25.6%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 105 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in University Place 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
-13%
Los Angeles, CA
$85,660
-5%
Chicago, IL
$63,820
-29%
Houston, TX
$75,160
-16%
Phoenix, AZ
$60,350
-33%

Financial Tools to Explore

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School Counselor Salary in University Place, WA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a school counselor in University Place, WA is $89,811 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 105. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering University Place's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level school counselor professionals in University Place can expect to earn around $60,365 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level school counselors earning approximately $123,674 per year. This represents a 105% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

University Place's cost of living index of 105 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in University Place 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 University Place typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,200 per month, housing represents about 16.0% 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 University Place, 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.