School Counselor Salary in Pasco, WA: $81,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Pasco, WA earns a median $81,040/year (≈ $38.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Pasco's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $75,456 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The evolving landscape of mental health support in schools has notably influenced the school counselor salary in Pasco, with the projected median for 2026 sitting at $81,040. This is significantly higher than the national median of $64,335, reflecting a 25.97% premium that highlights Pasco's competitive market for school counselors in the wake of heightened funding for mental health initiatives. Counselors in the area can expect a salary range from $58,380 at the 10th percentile to $125,612 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a diverse spectrum of compensation based on experience and qualifications. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local cost variations, demonstrate that Pasco's commitment to mental wellness in schools is driving growth in both hiring and salary potential.
About the Pasco Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,380 | $28.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,230 | $31.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,040 | $38.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,731 | $49.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,612 | $60.39 |
Median Salary Position
25.97% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasco
In Pasco, WA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,232 (2026 est.). At $81,040, the local median is 25.97% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pasco: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pasco School Counselor Pay Compares
Pasco median: $81,040/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasco Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,033 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +25.97% more |
School Counselors in Pasco, WA earn a median of $81,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.97% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.40% below the Washington state average of $83,033.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasco has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasco, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $81,040 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,456 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,413
2025 BLS Actual
$79,412
2026 Current Est.
$81,040
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Pasco (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,413 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,746 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,696 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,240 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,178 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,737 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,412 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,701 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasco metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $70,413 (2019) to $79,412 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $82,701 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,288 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasco 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) | $58,380 – $65,230 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,230 – $81,040 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,040 – $103,731 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,731 – $125,612 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Pasco
With 18 school counselors currently employed in the Pasco region, opportunities abound, but the cost of living, reflected by an index of 107.4, demands careful budgeting for take-home pay. Districts such as those serving K-12 public schools commonly adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure, where compensation is influenced by years of service and educational attainment, creating a distinct pay gap. High-paying positions may be found in roles requiring specialized training, such as those at private schools or post-secondary institutions. To maximize school counselor pay in Pasco, professionals should consider advancing their education—such as achieving a master's+30 or doctorate level—as well as seeking out additional responsibilities or summer program roles that provide extra stipends. This strategic approach can help counselors leverage the available opportunities against the regional cost of living while contributing positively to the local educational environment.
More salary data for Pasco, 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 $79,412 for school counselorsin the Pasco 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 Pasco 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