School Counselor Salary in Tigard, OR: $71,611 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Tigard, OR earns a median $71,611/year (≈ $34.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Tigard's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $69,796 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tigard, Oregon, the projected median annual salary for school counselors in 2026 is $71,611, marking a significant increase compared to the national median of $64,335. This competitive compensation falls within a salary range from $51,111 at the 10th percentile to $110,997 at the 90th percentile. Local figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price variations. For school counselors in Tigard, this salary landscape reflects the step-and-lane structure typical in K-12 education, where placements vary based on experience and advanced degrees such as a master's or master's+30. Such salaries provide insight into Tigard's commitment to addressing mental health needs in schools, highlighting the increasing demand for qualified counselors amidst a backdrop of rising student-to-counselor ratios.
About the Tigard Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,111 | $24.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,338 | $27.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,611 | $34.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,661 | $44.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,997 | $53.36 |
Median Salary Position
11.31% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tigard
In Tigard, OR, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,886 (2026 est.). At $71,611, the local median is 11.31% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tigard: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tigard School Counselor Pay Compares
Tigard median: $71,611/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tigard Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $73,673 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +11.31% more |
School Counselors in Tigard, OR earn a median of $71,611 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.31% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.80% below the Oregon state average of $73,673.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tigard has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tigard, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,611 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,796 — a 2.53% 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
$62,220
2025 BLS Actual
$70,172
2026 Current Est.
$71,611
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Tigard (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,220 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,398 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,005 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,601 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,314 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,815 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,172 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,611 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,079 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tigard metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $62,220 (2019) to $70,172 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,079 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,859 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tigard 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) | $51,111 – $57,338 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,338 – $71,611 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,611 – $91,661 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,661 – $110,997 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Tigard
There are currently nine school counselors employed in the Tigard area, which speaks to the local demand for these professionals, particularly as schools navigate the heightened mental health challenges faced by students post-COVID. With a cost-of-living index of 102.6, the purchasing power of a school counselor's salary in Tigard may be slightly strained, though it remains competitive within the market. Among employers, K-12 public school districts generally offer the most competitive pay, reflecting a traditional step-and-lane pay structure tied to years of service and educational advancements. Factors influencing the salary range include not just base pay, but also extended contracts for summer programs, additional roles like department heads or club advisors, and how far counselors advance in their respective pay scales. For prospective counselors aiming to maximize their pay in Tigard, seeking positions in larger districts or those offering additional stipends can lead to significant financial benefits.
More salary data for Tigard, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Tigard, OR in 2026?
Is Tigard, OR a good place to work as a school counselor?
Can school counselors make $100K in Tigard?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted school counselor salary in Tigard?
How much does a school counselor make per hour in Tigard?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 $70,172 for school counselorsin the Tigard 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 Tigard 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