School Counselor Salary in Kent, WA: $82,912 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Kent, WA earns a median $82,912/year (≈ $39.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Kent's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $77,199 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for school counselors in Kent, WA, is $82,912, reflecting a strong compensation structure compared to the national median of $64,335. This salary, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, comes amidst a salary range that spans from $58,922 at the 10th percentile to $128,513 at the 90th percentile. With many positions utilizing a step-and-lane scale similar to that of teachers, those with advanced degrees—especially master's+30 placements—tend to benefit from higher starting salaries. The growth rate for school counselor salaries in the region stands at an estimated 2.05%, indicating a gradually expanding job market that underscores the importance of this role in student development and mental health support within Kent’s schools.
About the Kent Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,922 | $28.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,355 | $31.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,912 | $39.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,127 | $51.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,513 | $61.78 |
Median Salary Position
28.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kent
In Kent, WA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,591 (2026 est.). At $82,912, the local median is 28.88% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kent: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kent School Counselor Pay Compares
Kent median: $82,912/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kent Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,078 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +28.88% more |
School Counselors in Kent, WA earn a median of $82,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.88% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.20% below the Washington state average of $83,078.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kent has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kent, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $82,912 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $77,199 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,039
2025 BLS Actual
$81,246
2026 Current Est.
$82,912
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Kent (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,039 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,403 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,422 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,954 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,937 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,625 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,246 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,912 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,611 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kent metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $72,039 (2019) to $81,246 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,611 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,572 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kent 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) | $58,922 – $66,355 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,355 – $82,912 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,912 – $106,127 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,127 – $128,513 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Kent
Kent’s job market for school counselors, with 33 professionals currently employed, can offer significant rewards, but the cost of living index, sitting at 107.4, may impact take-home pay. Local employers such as K-12 public school districts generally lead in compensation, especially regarding positions that provide extended school year contracts or stipends for additional responsibilities. Factors influencing the disparity between salaries at the lower and higher ends include experience level, the specific school district's pay structure, and additional qualifications beyond the master’s degree. To maximize earning potential in Kent, school counselors might consider gaining advanced certifications, pursuing roles that include summer programs, or aiming for industry positions in post-secondary career counseling. Such strategies align well with the recommendations from ASCA regarding effective counselor-to-student ratios and emphasize professional development tailored to Kent’s educational landscape.
More salary data for Kent, WA:
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 $81,246 for school counselorsin the Kent 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 Kent 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