School Counselor Salary in Spokane, WA: $75,997 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Spokane, WA earns a median $75,997/year (≈ $36.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Spokane's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.3), that paycheck buys what $75,735 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.5% below the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The projected median annual salary for school counselors in Spokane, Washington, is $75,997 in 2026, reflecting a significant increase from pre-pandemic years. This rise in compensation can largely be attributed to the expanded investment in mental health resources following the COVID-19 crisis, leading to increased hiring across districts. Salaries for school counselors in Spokane show a notable range, with earners at the lower 10th percentile making approximately $51,934 and those at the high end, going up to $104,730. These salary figures are drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, demonstrating not only the local demand for counselors but also the competitive pay landscape in the region.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,934 | $24.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,306 | $29.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,997 | $36.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,430 | $48.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,730 | $50.34 |
Median Salary Position
18.13% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spokane
In Spokane, WA, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,796 (2026 est.). At $75,997, the local median is 18.13% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Spokane: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Spokane School Counselor Pay Compares
Spokane median: $75,997/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spokane Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $83,056 | -8.50% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +18.13% more |
School Counselors in Spokane, WA earn a median of $75,997 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.13% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 8.50% below the Washington state average of $83,056.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spokane has a cost of living 0.35% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Spokane, WA has a cost-of-living index of 100.346 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,997 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $75,735 — a 0.34% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,450
2025 BLS Actual
$74,470
2026 Current Est.
$75,997
2019–2027 Growth
+13.3%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Spokane (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,790 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,580 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,997 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,555 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spokane metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 8.8% from $68,450 (2019) to $74,470 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,555 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,105 (13.30%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spokane 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) | $51,934 – $61,306 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,306 – $75,997 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,997 – $101,430 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,430 – $104,730 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Spokane
With 540 school counselors working in the area, Spokane's job market reflects a robust demand for these professionals, underscored by a cost-of-living index of 100.346, slightly above the national average. This index means that while salaries may appear favorable, the purchasing power can vary based on local expenses. Among the various employers in Spokane, K-12 public school districts typically offer the most competitive salaries, especially for those with advanced degrees and extensive experience. The disparity in compensation levels, from entry-level positions to high-paying roles, is influenced by the step-and-lane pay structure, as well as differences in school district funding and the inclusion of stipends for roles such as department heads or club advisors. Counselors looking to maximize their pay should consider pursuing additional education beyond a master's degree, taking on leadership roles, or opting for summer programming positions to enhance their earning potential in this strong local market.
More salary data for Spokane, 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 $74,470 for school counselorsin the Spokane 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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