School Counselor Salary in Hillsboro, OR: $80,192 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Hillsboro, OR earns a median $80,192/year (≈ $38.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Hillsboro's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $78,160 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.9% above the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Hillsboro, Oregon, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $80,192. This impressive figure exceeds the national median of $64,335 by 24.65%, reflecting the local emphasis on mental health services after the COVID pandemic. The pay range for these professionals varies significantly, from $54,946 at the low end to $124,298 for those in more senior or specialized roles. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations indicate a competitive compensation landscape in Hillsboro. A strong focus on counselor hiring linked to expanded funding for mental health services has created a favorable market, signaling robust opportunities for both current professionals and new entrants into the field.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,946 | $26.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,692 | $30.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,192 | $38.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,646 | $49.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,298 | $59.76 |
Median Salary Position
24.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hillsboro
In Hillsboro, OR, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,352 (2026 est.). At $80,192, the local median is 24.65% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hillsboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hillsboro School Counselor Pay Compares
Hillsboro median: $80,192/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hillsboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $73,638 | +8.90% more |
| National Average | $64,335 | +24.65% more |
School Counselors in Hillsboro, OR earn a median of $80,192 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.65% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 8.90% above the Oregon state average of $73,638.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hillsboro has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hillsboro, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,192 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,160 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,676
2025 BLS Actual
$78,581
2026 Current Est.
$80,192
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,676 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,915 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,463 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,381 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,429 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,581 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,192 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,836 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hillsboro metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $69,676 (2019) to $78,581 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,836 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,160 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hillsboro 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) | $54,946 – $62,692 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,692 – $80,192 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,192 – $102,646 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,646 – $124,298 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Hillsboro
The local job market employs 22 school counselors, indicating a tight yet active community dedicated to student support. With a cost-of-living index of 102.6, living expenses in Hillsboro are slightly above the national average, which can impact take-home purchasing power. Among K-12 public school districts, those with established programs or specialized services tend to offer the highest pay. The variation in school counselor pay in Hillsboro can be attributed to several factors, including the step-and-lane pay scale commonly used in K-12 education, with compensation influenced by years of experience and education level. Additionally, counselors can enhance their earnings by pursuing advanced certifications, engaging in extended school year contracts, and taking on stipend roles such as department heads or club advisors. For those looking to maximize their school counselor salary in Hillsboro OR, seeking positions in districts prioritizing mental health services and gaining experience in high-demand areas can be particularly advantageous.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
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 $78,581 for school counselorsin the Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro 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