School Counselor Salary in Parker, CO: $62,095 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Parker, CO earns a median $62,095/year (≈ $29.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Parker's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $59,138 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the school counselor salary in Parker, CO, is projected to reach a median of $62,095, slightly below the national median of $64,335. Counselors in this area can expect a salary range from $41,323 at the 10th percentile to $96,247 at the 90th percentile. These figures are estimates derived from state-level BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, reflecting local economic conditions. Parker's school counselor pay largely adheres to a step-and-lane salary structure based on years of experience and educational qualifications, often seen in K-12 education systems. The competitive salaries offered here position Parker effectively within the broader job market, but educators should keep in mind that background and specialization can influence pay.
About the Parker Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,323 | $19.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,791 | $23.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,095 | $29.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,482 | $38.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,247 | $46.27 |
Median Salary Position
3.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Parker
In Parker, CO, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,924 (2026 est.). At $62,095, the local median is 3.48% below the national median of $64,335.
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At 40 hours/week in Parker: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Parker School Counselor Pay Compares
Parker median: $62,095/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Parker Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $62,659 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -3.48% less |
School Counselors in Parker, CO earn a median of $62,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.90% below the Colorado state average of $62,659.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Parker has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Parker, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,095 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,138 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,953
2025 BLS Actual
$60,848
2026 Current Est.
$62,095
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Parker (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,953 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,974 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,235 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,885 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,370 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,855 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,095 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,368 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Parker metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $53,953 (2019) to $60,848 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,368 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,415 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Parker 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) | $41,323 – $49,791 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,791 – $62,095 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,095 – $79,482 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,482 – $96,247 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Parker
With a current count of 14 school counselors employed in the Parker area, the job market signals a solid demand, particularly in light of expanded mental health funding following the COVID-19 crisis. The cost-of-living index at 105 indicates that living expenses are slightly above the national average, which impacts take-home pay potential for school counselors. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts generally provide the highest compensation, particularly benefiting those with advanced qualifications, like a master's degree plus additional credits or a doctorate. The salary variations are driven by factors such as experience, district-specific pay scales, and additional roles that can come with stipends, such as department head or club advisor. For those aiming to maximize their pay, strategies like pursuing extended contracts, focusing on in-demand specialties, and leveraging summer positions can significantly enhance overall compensation in Parker, CO.
More salary data for Parker, CO:
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
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 $60,848 for school counselorsin the Parker 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 Parker 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