Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Redmond, OR: $49,197 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Redmond, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,197 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Redmond's local price level (BEA RPP 102.6 — 3% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,950 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,587) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of school counseling in Redmond, Oregon, can expect a starting salary around $49,197 in 2026. Though entry-level compensation is lower than the city's median annual salary of $71,587, there is a growth pathway that offers promising salary increases over the first few years of practice. As one gains experience and possibly transitions to positions with higher responsibilities, earnings can move up to around $59,936 at the 25th percentile and, with dedication, may ultimately align with the median figure within three to five years. In the current market, Redmond presents a solid opportunity as mental health funding initiatives post-COVID have spurred hiring needs in schools, making the outlook for new graduates relatively favorable.
About the Redmond Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Redmond
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 Redmond
Entry-level school counselors in Redmond, OR typically start between $49,197 and $59,936 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $61,612 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,587 — 11.27% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Oregon of $50,000 represents just 101.63% of the starting school counselor pay ($49,197/year) in Redmond. 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 Redmond
- 1Research the Redmond market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $49,197 to $59,936, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Redmond, 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 Redmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Redmond'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 Redmond is $61,612 ( 125.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,197, experienced hygienists can earn up to $110,809.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,815
2025 BLS Actual
$48,209
2026 Current Est.
$49,197
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Redmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,815 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,143 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,210 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,992 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,983 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,209 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,197 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,206 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Redmond, OR grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,815 in 2019 to $48,209 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,206. New graduates entering the Redmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Redmond 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 Redmond
In Redmond, local public school districts are the primary employers for new master's-level school counselors, typically offering pay based on the step-and-lane structure that corresponds to education and experience levels. This approach often begins at a competitive scale, aligning closely with educational credentials, which include a Master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP accredited program and state certification. Additionally, taking the necessary state-required exams and completing supervised internship hours can significantly enhance starting salaries and job prospects. Newly minted counselors should stay cognizant of the ASCA's recommended 1:250 counselor-to-student ratio and the high nationwide average at 1:385, as the industry's need for qualified counselors continues to expand. Also, engaging in ongoing professional development, such as pursuing National Board certification, can elevate their standing and potentially their pay in this unique job market.
More salary data for Redmond, OR:
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 Redmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Redmond 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