School Counselor Hourly Pay in Kent, WA: $39.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Kent, WA runs $39.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,912 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Kent's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,746 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kent, Washington, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to reach $39.86 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $30.93. This disparity highlights the favorable financial landscape for those considering careers in school counseling within this region. For part-time professionals working three days a week in various environments—like elementary classroom guidance, middle school small group counseling, and high school individual sessions—this hourly rate can translate into a supportive income even for reduced schedules. With an entry-level rate starting at $28.33 and top earners making as much as $61.78 an hour, school counselors in Kent can expect a compensatory range that reflects their qualifications and experience, all estimated from annual salary data.
About the Kent 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) | $28.33 | $226.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.90 | $255.21 |
| Median (P50) | $39.86 | $318.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.02 | $408.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.78 | $494.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kent
Based on $39.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.86/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kent, WA can expect to earn approximately $82,910 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,833. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kent.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kent
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,594.43 | $6,909 | $82,910 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $956.66 | $4,146 | $49,746 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.77 | $2,764 | $33,164 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Kent) | $39.86 |
| 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 Kent, WA earn a median of $82,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.88% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $83,078.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.86/hr = $49,746/year (purchasing power: $46,319).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,910/year (purchasing power: $77,198).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Kent grew 12.8% from $34.63/hr (2019) to $39.06/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.68/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 Kent 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 Kent
Analyzing the financial implications of different counselorship arrangements reveals notable earning potential for part-time and per-diem school counselors in Kent. A professional working part-time at 24 hours a week stands to earn significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, finding it crucial to save or supplement income through additional roles. Per-diem agency work can present lucrative options, with private college counselors often charging $150 to $400 per hour, creating different financial incentives depending on the employment setting. In Kent, the variation continues across employer types, including K-12 public schools, charter networks, and private institutions, impacting hourly rate outcomes. Many counselors weigh the benefits of health insurance against higher pay rates without benefits, creating a negotiating landscape that necessitates clarity regarding compensation on an hourly basis. Understanding the unique elements of the local context can aid in formulating effective salary conversations and leverage for those entering this rewarding field.
More salary data for Kent, 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 Kent. 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 Kent 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