School Counselor Hourly Pay in Bothell, WA: $38.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Bothell, WA runs $38.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,066 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Bothell's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,040 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bothell, Washington, school counselor hourly pay reaches a median of $38.49, significantly above the national hourly median of $30.93. This competitive rate opens up various opportunities for counselors working part-time or in per-diem positions. For those who work three days a week, typically engaging in activities such as conducting elementary guidance lessons, small group counseling in middle schools, or individual sessions at high schools, the flexible scheduling can provide a sustainable income while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range for school counselors in Bothell extends from $29.11 at the entry-level to $59.67 for top earners, illustrating the financial growth potential in this profession. These estimates are derived from annual salary data; hence they can significantly influence budgeting and career planning for professionals in the area.
About the Bothell 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) | $29.11 | $232.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.85 | $254.80 |
| Median (P50) | $38.49 | $307.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.94 | $383.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.67 | $477.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bothell
Based on $38.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.49/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bothell, WA can expect to earn approximately $80,066 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,192. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bothell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bothell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,539.73 | $6,672 | $80,066 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $923.84 | $4,003 | $48,040 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $615.89 | $2,669 | $32,026 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Bothell) | $38.49 |
| 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 Bothell, WA earn a median of $80,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.45% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.60% below the Washington state average of $83,056.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.49/hr = $48,040/year (purchasing power: $44,730).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,066/year (purchasing power: $74,549).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Bothell grew 12.8% from $33.45/hr (2019) to $37.72/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.28/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 Bothell 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 Bothell
Focusing on the financial dynamics of part-time work, a school counselor in Bothell working 24 hours a week would bring home approximately $46,776 annually, versus a full-time counterpart who might earn a much higher salary. The appeal of per-diem opportunities is also prominent; for instance, private college counselors may charge between $150 to $400 per hour, a notable contrast to district compensation. Additionally, extended school year programs could provide another $5,000 to $15,000, making summer work an attractive option for school counselors looking to enhance their income. Hourly rates can vary depending on the employer, encompassing K-12 public schools, charter networks, and private institutions, each offering different salary scales and benefits options. Many professionals weigh the benefits of lower hourly pay with health insurance against potentially higher hourly rates without those perks. It's essential for counselors in Bothell to arm themselves with negotiation strategies, emphasizing their expertise, to advocate for fair compensation, especially given the growing need for mental health services post-COVID.
More salary data for Bothell, 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 Bothell. 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 Bothell 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