School Counselor Salary in Aurora, CO: $65,612 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Aurora, CO earns a median $65,612/year (≈ $31.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $62,488 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.7% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the school counselor salary in Aurora, Colorado, is projected to reach $65,612 annually, which is slightly above the national median of $64,335. This figure reflects the growing demand for mental health support in schools, fueled by increased funding following the COVID-19 pandemic. The salary range for school counselors in Aurora varies widely, from $44,263 at the 10th percentile to $101,699 at the 90th percentile. Such estimates are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost factors, indicating a competitive local market for school counseling professionals. The push for expanded mental health services is not only enhancing employment opportunities but also amplifying salary potential, particularly in districts that prioritize mental health initiatives.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,263 | $21.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,962 | $24.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,612 | $31.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,983 | $40.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,699 | $48.89 |
Median Salary Position
1.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, CO, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,436 (2026 est.). At $65,612, the local median is 1.98% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora School Counselor Pay Compares
Aurora median: $65,612/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $62,667 | +4.70% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +1.98% more |
School Counselors in Aurora, CO earn a median of $65,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.98% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 4.70% above the Colorado state average of $62,667.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,612 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,488 — a 4.76% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$57,008
2025 BLS Actual
$64,294
2026 Current Est.
$65,612
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,476 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,106 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,675 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,294 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,612 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,957 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $57,008 (2019) to $64,294 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,957 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,949 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,263 – $50,962 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,962 – $65,612 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,612 – $83,983 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,983 – $101,699 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Aurora
With 54 school counselors employed in the Aurora area, the job market remains solid, though the cost of living index stands at 105, indicating somewhat higher living expenses compared to the national average. This factor can influence take-home pay and overall purchasing power for counselors working in K-12 public school districts, charter schools, or private institutions. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts tend to offer the most competitive compensation aligned with the state's step-and-lane pay structure, which factors in years of experience and educational qualifications. The significant salary spread often results from contractual structures and additional stipends for roles such as department heads or advisors for extracurricular activities. Professionals looking to maximize their salary in Aurora CO should consider advancing their degrees, seeking additional endorsements, or taking on leadership roles, which are likely to yield higher compensation in this evolving educational landscape.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Aurora, CO in 2026?
Is Aurora, CO a good place to work as a school counselor?
Can school counselors make $100K in Aurora?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted school counselor salary in Aurora?
How much does a school counselor make per hour in Aurora?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,294 for school counselorsin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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