Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Evans, CO: $44,178 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Evans, CO job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,178 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Evans's local price level (BEA RPP 105.0 — 5% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,074 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,017) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the expected starting school counselor salary in Evans, Colorado, reflects the challenges new graduates might face as they enter the job market. The lowest end of the salary range for entry-level positions is projected at $44,178, which is noticeably below the city’s median of $58,017. New counselors can anticipate a gradual increase in their salary as they transition from entry-level pay to the P25 figure of $48,143 and eventually toward the median over the course of their first few years in the profession. Given the current local demand for school counselors, especially following funding initiatives aimed at addressing mental health needs post-COVID, this environment could provide new graduates with opportunities to secure positions, even as they navigate the initial pay landscape.
About the Evans Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Evans
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evans
Entry-level school counselors in Evans, CO typically start between $44,178 and $48,143 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,749 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,017 — 9.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Colorado of $45,000 represents just 101.86% of the starting school counselor pay ($44,178/year) in Evans. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CACREP-accredited master's programs in school counseling. In-state public institutions are the lowest-cost option; private universities carry higher tuition. Totals reflect tuition and required fees; practicum and internship hours are typically unpaid and add opportunity cost. State licensure requirements may mandate additional coursework.
SC, LSC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Evans
- 1Research the Evans market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $44,178 to $48,143, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the school counseling field — employers in CO often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Evans, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Evans for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Evans's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
School Counselor Compensation Range
The school counselor wage spread in Evans is $45,749 ( 103.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,178, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,927.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,060
2025 BLS Actual
$43,291
2026 Current Est.
$44,178
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Evans (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,598 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,601 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,178 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,084 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Evans, CO grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,060 in 2019 to $43,291 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,084. New graduates entering the Evans job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evans metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.05% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your school counseling Career in Evans
Regarding employment in Evans, public school districts are the primary employers for new school counselors, frequently offering a step-and-lane pay structure akin to that of teachers. This system benefits newcomers who secure a placement on the salary scale based on their educational attainment, including a master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited or state-approved program. Additionally, credentials such as state counselor certification, passing the required exams, and obtaining supervised internship hours play a crucial role in determining pay. With school counselor-to-student ratios still high—ASCA recommends a 1:250 ratio, while the national average hovers around 1:385—the demand for counselors continues to grow. New hires can expect some salary growth in their first three years as districts respond to an ongoing expansion in hiring due to recent mental health funding, albeit with the understanding that initial salaries may start lower than the national average of $64,335.
More salary data for Evans, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new school counseling graduates. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Evans. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evans is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.05%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for school counselors (SOC 21-1012).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov