Kennewick vs Seattle: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Kennewick, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,908▲ | $87,287 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.75▲ | $41.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,116 | $61,576▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $72,317 | $73,627▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,721▲ | $104,770 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,091 | $129,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 260 | 3,570▲ |
Verdict
Kennewick and Seattle are closely matched on overall school counselor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Seattle is $1,621 (1.86%). Kennewick's median is +38.20% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $60,975,Seattle spans $67,486. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($88,838 effective) pays 13.11% 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 Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,908/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,838)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,062)
- ✓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 Kennewick grew 24.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$69,750 (2019) → $87,122 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$61,830 (2019) → $85,534 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Kennewick or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Seattle as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Kennewick 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