Burien vs Seattle: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Burien, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burien, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,671 | $87,287▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.75 | $41.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,767 | $61,576▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,702 | $73,627▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,819▲ | $104,770 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,140 | $129,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 3,570▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burien.
The salary gap between Burien and Seattle is $4,616 (5.58%). Seattle's median is +35.68% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burien spans $68,373,Seattle spans $67,486. Burien 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, Seattle ($78,543 effective) pays 2.04% more than Burien ($76,975 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burien if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,287/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,062)
- ✓Larger job market (3,570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,543)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Burien grew -2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Burien, WA
$83,382 (2024) → $81,010 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$61,830 (2019) → $85,534 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burien, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Burien or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burien and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Burien to Seattle as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Burien 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