School Counselor Salary in Pendleton, OR: $70,757 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Pendleton, OR earns a median $70,757/year (≈ $34.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Pendleton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $68,964 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pendleton, Oregon, the local impact of the post-COVID mental health funding expansion is evident, fostering a competitive landscape for school counselors. With a projected median annual salary of $70,757 in 2026, this figure surpasses the national median of $64,335 by nearly 10%. Salary ranges for these professionals vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting near $52,511 while seasoned counselors can earn up to $106,201, reflecting both experience and educational credentials. These estimates, derived from state-level BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate a promising financial outlook for school counselors in Pendleton, especially as schools increasingly prioritize mental health support in response to the ongoing challenges faced by students.
About the Pendleton Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,511 | $25.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,552 | $27.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,757 | $34.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,022 | $42.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,201 | $51.06 |
Median Salary Position
9.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pendleton
In Pendleton, OR, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,690 (2026 est.). At $70,757, the local median is 9.98% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pendleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pendleton School Counselor Pay Compares
Pendleton median: $70,757/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pendleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $73,629 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +9.98% more |
School Counselors in Pendleton, OR earn a median of $70,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.98% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.90% below the Oregon state average of $73,629.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pendleton has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pendleton, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,757 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,964 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,479
2025 BLS Actual
$69,336
2026 Current Est.
$70,757
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Pendleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,479 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,643 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,336 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,757 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,208 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pendleton metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $61,479 (2019) to $69,336 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,208 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,729 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pendleton 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) | $52,511 – $57,552 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,552 – $70,757 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,757 – $89,022 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,022 – $106,201 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Pendleton
The local job market for school counselors shows a consistent demand, with five professionals currently employed across different educational settings. The cost of living index in Pendleton stands at 102.6, slightly above the national average, which can affect take-home pay. Among the various institutions, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive salaries, adhering to the established step-and-lane pay structure that factors in years of experience and educational attainment. The substantial salary range reflects key influences, including differing employer policies, district premiums for high costs, and additional stipends for specialized roles. To optimize earning potential, counselors should consider opportunities for further education, such as earning a doctorate or pursuing additional certifications, which can elevate their position within the pay scale as well as explore summer program involvement and leadership roles.
More salary data for Pendleton, 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 $69,336 for school counselorsin the Pendleton 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 Pendleton 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