Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Burien, WA: $59,767 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Burien, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $59,767 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burien's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $55,649 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,671) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected entry-level school counselor salary in Burien, WA, for 2026 is approximately $59,767, which sets a realistic starting point for new graduates entering this field. While this figure is significantly lower than the city median salary of $82,671, it reflects the initial pay scale common among new professionals. Over the first few years, early-career counselors can expect growth as they gain experience, with salaries rising to around $66,702 at the 25th percentile. This upward trajectory illustrates that despite starting lower than the median, there is potential for advancement, especially in a market where mental health funding has increased and school counselor positions are expanding in response to student needs. Therefore, Burien currently presents a favorable environment for fresh graduates looking to build their careers in school counseling.
About the Burien Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burien
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 Burien
Entry-level school counselors in Burien, WA typically start between $59,767 and $66,702 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,373 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,671 — 28.5% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Washington of $52,000 represents just 87.00% of the starting school counselor pay ($59,767/year) in Burien. 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 Burien
- 1Research the Burien market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $59,767 to $66,702, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burien, 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 Burien for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burien'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 Burien is $68,373 ( 114.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $59,767, experienced hygienists can earn up to $128,140.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,725
2025 BLS Actual
$58,566
2026 Current Est.
$59,767
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Burien (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,725 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,338 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,848 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,798 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,218 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,711 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,566 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,767 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,992 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Burien, WA grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,725 in 2019 to $58,566 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,992. New graduates entering the Burien job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burien 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 Burien
Local public school districts in Burien are the primary employers of newly graduated school counselors, often offering salaries based on a step-and-lane pay structure that mirrors that of teachers. Additionally, charter networks may provide competitive starting salaries, although they do not typically offer tenure. For those considering a career in this field, attaining a Master’s degree in school counseling from CACREP-accredited programs or state-approved institutions boosts employability, along with obtaining the necessary state certification. It’s also advantageous to consider optional criteria, like the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification, which can enhance starting pay. Given the high student-to-counselor ratios—practices that currently recommend ratios of 1:250, while the national average stands at 1:385—there is a steady demand for counselors. As the job market evolves, especially in light of post-COVID mental health initiatives, new counselors in Burien can look forward to steady salary growth in their first few years, reflecting their increased responsibilities and contributions to student wellness.
More salary data for Burien, WA:
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 Burien. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burien 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