School Counselor Hourly Pay in Tumwater, WA: $40.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Tumwater, WA runs $40.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,819 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Tumwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $37.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,294 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tumwater, Washington, the projected school counselor hourly pay in 2026 reaches $40.30, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $30.93. This rate reflects the continuing demand for school counselors, particularly in settings such as elementary classrooms, middle school group counseling, high school individual counseling offices, and college resource rooms. For part-time counselors working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to a robust income that can support a comfortable living, especially compared to the state's cost of living, which is slightly above the national average. Entry-level counselors can expect to earn around $28.00 per hour, while those at the top of the field may reach $62.46 per hour, demonstrating a rewarding trajectory for those in various educational contexts.
About the Tumwater 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) | $28.00 | $224.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.20 | $265.57 |
| Median (P50) | $40.30 | $322.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.99 | $399.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.46 | $499.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tumwater
Based on $40.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.30/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tumwater, WA can expect to earn approximately $83,823 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,359. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tumwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tumwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,611.98 | $6,985 | $83,823 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $967.19 | $4,191 | $50,294 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.79 | $2,794 | $33,529 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Tumwater) | $40.30 |
| 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 Tumwater, WA earn a median of $83,819 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.29% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.90% above the Washington state average of $83,071.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.30/hr = $50,294/year (purchasing power: $46,829).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,823/year (purchasing power: $78,048).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Tumwater grew 12.8% from $35.01/hr (2019) to $39.49/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.13/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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater
Analyzing the hourly earnings further reveals interesting dynamics for those considering part-time work. A school counselor working 24 hours a week will earn an annual income that can still support a decent lifestyle, contrastive to full-time counselors who can take advantage of more comprehensive benefits. For many, the opportunity to work as a per diem school counselor in Tumwater may provide flexibility and lucrative pay, especially by offering private consultation at rates ranging from $150 to $400 per hour for college counseling. Moreover, hourly pay can vary significantly depending on the type of institution—counselors in public K-12 settings typically earn less than those in private schools or post-secondary institutions where substantial funding for mental health services post-COVID has spurred demand. While some counselors might opt for higher pay without benefits, others may choose consistently lower hourly compensation for the additional perks of employment stability and healthcare benefits, often determining their earning potential by assessing their personal needs and work-life balance. Negotiating for a higher wage becomes essential in this context, as understanding the local job market can empower school counselors to advocate effectively for their value within the educational framework in Tumwater.
More salary data for Tumwater, 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 Tumwater. 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 Tumwater 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