Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Camas, WA: $57,255 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,255 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,310 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,816) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates stepping into the role of a school counselor in Camas, WA, the entry-level school counselor salary stands at $57,255 in 2026. While this starting pay may seem modest compared to the city's median salary of $78,816, there is a clear growth trajectory as early-career counselors advance through the pay scale. Over the first few years, entry-level counselors can expect their salaries to increase toward $63,715 at the 25th percentile and potentially reach the median as they gain experience and prove their value. Furthermore, the current job market favors new graduates, particularly due to increased hiring prompted by mental health funding initiatives following the COVID-19 pandemic, signaling that Camas is a favorable environment for those entering this profession.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
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 Camas
Entry-level school counselors in Camas, WA typically start between $57,255 and $63,715 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,910 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,816 — 22.51% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in Washington of $52,000 represents just 90.82% of the starting school counselor pay ($57,255/year) in Camas. 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 Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $57,255 to $63,715, 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 Camas, 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 Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas'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 Camas is $64,910 ( 113.37%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,255, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,165.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,845
2025 BLS Actual
$56,105
2026 Current Est.
$57,255
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,845 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,796 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,705 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,023 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,221 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,105 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,255 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,429 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,845 in 2019 to $56,105 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,429. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
In Camas, public school districts are the primary employers of entry-level school counselors, often offering step-and-lane placement based on educational qualifications. New grads with a Master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program and the necessary state certification will find themselves in a better position for competitive pay. Specialized programs like DoDEA schools also hire counselors with overseas placements that may include a cost-of-living adjustment. To further enhance their starting salary in Washington, new counselors could pursue additional credentials, such as passing the state-required exam or seeking National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification. Those navigating their first years in this field must understand that school counselor-to-student ratios remain high, with national averages significantly exceeding the ASCA recommendation of 1:250. Salary growth within the first three years could be promising, aligning more closely with the established K-12 pay structure as counselors gain tenure and experience.
More salary data for Camas, 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 Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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