School Counselor Hourly Pay in Edmonds, WA: $38.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Edmonds, WA runs $38.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,543 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Edmonds's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $36.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,320 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Edmonds, Washington, school counselors earn a median hourly pay of $38.72, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93. This attractive pay rate translates to better opportunities for both part-time employment and per-diem work, which is valuable in settings like elementary classroom guidance lessons and high school counseling offices. Entry-level counselors may start around $26.47 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can earn up to $60.02 per hour. With the increasing need for mental health support post-COVID, many districts are investing in their counseling staff. This means that school counselor hourly pay in Edmonds not only reflects the demand but the region's higher cost of living as well, making these positions appealing for new graduates or seasoned counselors looking for flexible engagements.
About the Edmonds 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) | $26.47 | $211.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.32 | $258.55 |
| Median (P50) | $38.72 | $309.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.57 | $396.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.02 | $480.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edmonds
Based on $38.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.72/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edmonds, WA can expect to earn approximately $80,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,461. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Edmonds.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edmonds
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,548.71 | $6,711 | $80,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $929.23 | $4,027 | $48,320 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $619.48 | $2,684 | $32,213 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Edmonds) | $38.72 |
| 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 Edmonds, WA earn a median of $80,543 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.19% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.00% below the Washington state average of $83,034.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.72/hr = $48,320/year (purchasing power: $44,990).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,533/year (purchasing power: $74,984).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Edmonds grew 12.8% from $33.64/hr (2019) to $37.94/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.51/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 Edmonds 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 Edmonds
For those considering part-time work as school counselors in Edmonds, working just three days a week (approximately 24 hours total) can yield a solid income, though it falls short of the full-time annual earnings that provide benefits and stability. The per diem school counselor pay in Edmonds varies widely, with private college counselors charging between $150 and $400 per hour for services, often packing substantial earning potential for those leveraging their expertise outside traditional school systems. Different employer types contribute to this variance, as K-12 public districts generally follow a step-and-lane K-12 pay structure like that for teachers, while private and parochial schools might offer more flexibility for negotiation. Counselors must weigh the benefits of steady employment with health insurance against the potentially higher hourly rates available in per diem or agency roles, and when negotiating, it’s essential to emphasize one’s qualifications based on the ASCA and CACREP standards while remaining aware of community resources promoting mental health support in Edmonds.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Edmonds in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Edmonds?
Are school counselors in Edmonds paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Edmonds?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Edmonds?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Edmonds. 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 Edmonds 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