School Counselor Hourly Pay in Redmond, WA: $39.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Redmond, WA runs $39.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,980 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Redmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,784 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Redmond, Washington, school counselors can expect a median hourly pay of $39.89, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93. This elevated rate enhances the financial viability for professionals, whether they are working part-time or in per-diem roles. A typical part-time schedule of three days a week could average around 24 hours, yielding about $1,073.36 weekly based on the median, allowing for a reasonable living in an area with a cost of living index of 107.4. Counselors in Redmond typically experience an hourly pay range from $27.05 for entry-level positions to $61.83 for top earners. These estimates are key for those engaged in various settings, including elementary classroom guidance, middle school small group counseling, high school individual counseling offices, and college counseling environments.
About the Redmond 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) | $27.05 | $216.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.85 | $246.80 |
| Median (P50) | $39.89 | $319.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.25 | $402.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.83 | $494.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Redmond
Based on $39.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.89/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Redmond, WA can expect to earn approximately $82,974 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,870. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Redmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Redmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,595.65 | $6,914 | $82,974 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $957.39 | $4,149 | $49,784 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $638.26 | $2,766 | $33,190 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Redmond) | $39.89 |
| 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 Redmond, WA earn a median of $82,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.98% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.10% below the Washington state average of $83,063.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.89/hr = $49,784/year (purchasing power: $46,354).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,974/year (purchasing power: $77,257).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$34.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Redmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Redmond grew 12.8% from $34.66/hr (2019) to $39.09/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.71/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 Redmond 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 Redmond
Beyond standard hourly pay, the overall earnings landscape can differ significantly for school counselors in Redmond based on employment type and additional opportunities. A part-time counselor working 3 days a week could ultimately take home about $55,100 annually, substantially less than a full-time counterpart but still competitive. Notably, per-diem school counselors may command rates between $150 and $400 hourly for services like college admissions consulting, especially in high cost-of-living markets. For extended school year programs or summer counseling, additional earnings can range from $5,000 to $15,000. Compensation also varies across different types of schools, including K-12 public districts, charters, private institutions, and post-secondary counseling roles. Professionals often face the challenge of balancing job security with the allure of higher per-diem rates that lack benefits. Those negotiating their pay in Redmond should consider the trade-offs related to health insurance versus cash compensation, ensuring they advocate effectively for their worth in a market that values school counselor hourly pay.
More salary data for Redmond, 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 Redmond. 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 Redmond 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