School Counselor Salary in Pullman, WA: $79,711 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Pullman, WA earns a median $79,711/year (≈ $38.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Pullman's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $74,219 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Pullman, WA, can expect a median annual salary of $79,711, which is significantly above the national median of $64,335, representing a 23.90% premium. The salary range for these positions spans from $59,703 at the 10th percentile to $123,553 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a substantial variation based on experience and educational qualifications. This data, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost of living, indicates a rewarding earning potential in Pullman. The recent expansion in mental health funding post-COVID has positively influenced local hiring practices, enhancing the demand for school counselors amid a growing focus on student well-being.
About the Pullman Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,703 | $28.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,518 | $31.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,711 | $38.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,031 | $49.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,553 | $59.40 |
Median Salary Position
23.90% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pullman
In Pullman, WA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,850 (2026 est.). At $79,711, the local median is 23.9% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pullman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pullman School Counselor Pay Compares
Pullman median: $79,711/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pullman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,033 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +23.90% more |
School Counselors in Pullman, WA earn a median of $79,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.90% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $83,033.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pullman has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pullman, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,711 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $74,219 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$69,258
2025 BLS Actual
$78,110
2026 Current Est.
$79,711
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,472 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,022 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,929 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,397 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,110 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,711 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,345 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pullman metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $69,258 (2019) to $78,110 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,345 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,087 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pullman 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) | $59,703 – $65,518 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,518 – $79,711 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,711 – $102,031 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,031 – $123,553 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Pullman
The job market for school counselors in Pullman is relatively stable, with six professionals currently employed in this field. However, the cost of living index sits at 107.4, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average, which may impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts typically offer the highest salaries, following the structured step-and-lane pay scale determined by years of experience and education levels. Variability in salary also arises from additional roles—such as department heads or club advisors—and extended contracts during summer programs, which can lead to elevated pay. For those looking to maximize their pay in Pullman, pursuing higher educational qualifications beyond a master’s degree, taking on extra responsibilities, and seeking positions within higher-paying school districts could be effective strategies.
More salary data for Pullman, 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 $78,110 for school counselorsin the Pullman 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 Pullman 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