School Counselor Salary in Wheat Ridge, CO: $60,278 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Wheat Ridge, CO earns a median $60,278/year (≈ $28.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Wheat Ridge's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $57,408 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the growth of mental health funding in the wake of COVID-19 has led to increased opportunities for school counselors, with a projected median annual salary of $60,278. This figure places local salaries approximately 6.31% lower than the projected national median of $64,335. School counselors in the area can expect salaries to range significantly, from $45,402 at the lower end to $93,431 at the high end, reflecting varying levels of experience and qualifications. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, which indicates a competitive hiring environment aimed at addressing rising mental health needs within schools.
About the Wheat Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,402 | $21.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,733 | $23.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,278 | $28.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,118 | $37.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,431 | $44.92 |
Median Salary Position
6.31% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheat Ridge
In Wheat Ridge, CO, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,029 (2026 est.). At $60,278, the local median is 6.31% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheat Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheat Ridge School Counselor Pay Compares
Wheat Ridge median: $60,278/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheat Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $62,659 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -6.31% less |
School Counselors in Wheat Ridge, CO earn a median of $60,278 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.31% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.80% below the Colorado state average of $62,659.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheat Ridge has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheat Ridge, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,278 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,408 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,373
2025 BLS Actual
$59,067
2026 Current Est.
$60,278
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Wheat Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,373 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,365 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,661 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,722 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,067 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,278 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,514 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheat Ridge metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $52,373 (2019) to $59,067 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,514 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,141 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheat Ridge 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) | $45,402 – $49,733 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,733 – $60,278 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,278 – $77,118 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,118 – $93,431 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Wheat Ridge
The job market for school counselors in Wheat Ridge is relatively stable, with eight professionals currently employed in this capacity. Given the cost-of-living index of 105, which surpasses the national average, the purchasing power of school counselor salaries can be a critical consideration for prospective employees. Districts that typically offer higher pay include K-12 public school systems and some charter schools, where compensation strategies often align with established step-and-lane structures based on years of experience and advanced degrees. Factors such as high-cost-of-living district premiums, additional stipends for roles like department heads or club advisors, and contracts extending into summer programs add complexity to salary variations. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced credentials beyond a master's degree, engaging in ongoing professional development, and seeking positions in high-demand districts could yield substantial financial benefits in Wheat Ridge, CO.
More salary data for Wheat Ridge, 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 $59,067 for school counselorsin the Wheat Ridge 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 Wheat Ridge 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