School Counselor Hourly Pay in Auburn, WA: $39.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Auburn, WA runs $39.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,098 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,262 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Washington, the projected school counselor hourly pay for 2026 is $39.47, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93 per hour. This favorable pay scale means that part-time professionals who work three days a week can earn a meaningful income while managing their hours around personal commitments. Given the diversity of settings where school counselors operate—ranging from leading classroom guidance lessons in elementary schools to providing one-on-one support in high school counseling offices—those hourly rates allow for adaptable work schedules. The hourly pay for school counselors in Auburn can vary widely, with starting rates around $26.05 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $61.18 for the most experienced professionals in the field.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.05 | $208.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.51 | $252.10 |
| Median (P50) | $39.47 | $315.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.52 | $404.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.18 | $489.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $39.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.47/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, WA can expect to earn approximately $82,104 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,368. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,578.92 | $6,842 | $82,104 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $947.35 | $4,105 | $49,262 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $631.57 | $2,737 | $32,841 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Auburn) | $39.47 |
| Mental Health Counselor (National Avg) | $28.69 |
| Social Worker (National Avg) | $29.33 |
| Elementary School Teacher (National Avg) | $32.79 |
| Instructional Coordinator (National Avg) | $36.21 |
School Counselors in Auburn, WA earn a median of $82,098 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.61% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $83,095.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.47/hr = $49,262/year (purchasing power: $45,868).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,104/year (purchasing power: $76,447).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Auburn grew 12.8% from $34.30/hr (2019) to $38.68/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.28/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem school counselors can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Auburn 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.
Working as an Hourly School Counselor in Auburn
For part-time school counselors, those working a 24-hour workweek could take home approximately $49,000 annually if they maintain a consistent schedule, which translates to a solid income relative to other part-time roles in the region. As per-diem opportunities arise within private colleges, counselors may charge rates between $150 and $400 per hour, enhancing their earning potential outside of traditional school settings. Different employer types also influence pay; K-12 public districts may offer lower hourly rates that come with benefits, contrasting with higher pay in private or charter schools that may not include health insurance options. This trade-off is a real factor for many in Auburn, and savvy negotiators can capitalize by emphasizing their expertise and the expanded demand for mental health support post-COVID-19. Those entering these roles should aim to understand their local market and weigh their offers against the stability and perks that come with full-time positions versus the flexibility of per diem work.
More salary data for Auburn, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for school counselors in Auburn. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Auburn 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