Bellevue vs Seattle: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Bellevue, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,143▲ | $87,287 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.38▲ | $41.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,336 | $61,576▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,551 | $73,627▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,822▲ | $104,770 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,621▲ | $129,062 |
| Total Employed | 26 | 3,570▲ |
Verdict
Bellevue, WA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Seattle.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Seattle is $856 (0.98%). Bellevue's median is +37.01% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $78,285,Seattle spans $67,486. Bellevue has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bellevue ($82,070 effective) pays 4.49% more than Seattle ($78,543 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,143/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,621)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,070)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Bellevue grew 1.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Bellevue, WA
$85,439 (2024) → $86,372 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$61,830 (2019) → $85,534 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Bellevue or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Seattle as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Bellevue vs Seattle?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov