Olympia vs Spokane: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Olympia, WA and Spokane, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Spokane, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,057▲ | $75,997 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.93▲ | $36.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,465▲ | $51,934 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,695 | $61,306▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,860▲ | $101,430 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,810▲ | $104,730 |
| Total Employed | 220 | 540▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Spokane.
The salary gap between Olympia and Spokane is $7,060 (9.29%). Olympia's median is +29.10% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $53,345,Spokane spans $52,796. Olympia 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, Olympia ($80,117 effective) pays 5.79% more than Spokane ($75,735 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,057/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,810)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,117)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Spokane if…
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Olympia grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.8% growth in Spokane over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$67,320 (2019) → $81,389 (2025)
Spokane, WA
$68,450 (2019) → $74,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Spokane, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Olympia or Spokane?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Spokane?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Spokane as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Olympia vs Spokane?
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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