Senior School Counselor Salary in Camas, WA: $122,165 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of school counselors working in Camas, WA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $122,165/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 21-1012. Strip back Camas's price premium (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $113,748 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, senior school counselors in Camas, Washington, have the potential to earn top salaries that reflect their extensive experience, with the 90th percentile earning approximately $122,165 annually. This figure positions Camas counselors well above the national average for experienced professionals, which stands at $64,335. The median annual salary for school counselors in the area is projected to be $78,816, but the significant difference between this median and the top-tier pay illustrates the experience premium that seasoned counselors can achieve. Achieving such high compensation often requires specialization, advanced credentials, and a proven track record of effective counseling practices—factors that contribute to heightened value in a competitive educational landscape.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camas
Experienced school counselors at the top of the pay scale in Camas earn between $100,885 and $122,165 per year (2026 est.). This $64,910 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Camas median of $78,816 sits 22.51% above the US median.
Top SC, LSC Salary Comparison
| Level | Camas | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $78,816 | $64,335 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,885 | $82,878 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $122,165 | $104,780 |
In Camas, experienced school counselors (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top School Counselor Pay in Camas
Advanced Certifications in Washington
WA school counselors with additional specialty certifications within the school counseling field earn significantly above the $78,816 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Camas employers.
Specialty Focus
School Counselors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the school counseling field in Camas command premium compensation, often reaching the $100,885–$122,165 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Camas metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced school counselors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured school counselors in Camas with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
School Counselors in Washington who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
School Counselor Career & Wage Growth Path in Camas
Clinical School Counselor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead School Counselor
5-10 yearsSchool Counselor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCamas ranks #37 of 50 Washington cities for top earner school counselor salary (90th percentile: $122,165).
Top 10% school counselor compensation in Camas ($122,165) is 2.23% below the Washington average P90 ($124,951).
2019 BLS Actual
$109,793
2025 BLS Actual
$119,711
2026 Current Est.
$122,165
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $109,793 | Actual |
| 2020 | $111,873 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,193 | Actual |
| 2022 | $112,581 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,318 | Actual |
| 2024 | $123,216 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,711 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,165 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $124,669 | Projected |
Top-earning school counselors (90th percentile) in Camas saw their compensation grow 9.0% from $109,793 in 2019 to $119,711 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.05% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $124,669 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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.
Maximizing Your School Counselor Earnings in Camas
Compensation for senior school counselors in Camas varies significantly based on their area of expertise and the type of institution they work for. Professionals who specialize in high school college counseling, mental health or trauma-informed strategies, and special education collaboration tend to command higher salaries, reflecting the demand for these essential services. Public K-12 school districts typically adhere to a step-and-lane pay structure similar to teachers; however, counselors may also seek roles in charter schools, private institutions, or post-secondary settings, which potentially offer different compensation packages. Advanced qualifications, such as a Master's degree in school counseling from a CACREP-accredited program and state certification, can enhance earning potential. Additionally, contributions to leadership roles like district counseling coordinators or school administrators further elevate one’s position, complementing the financial rewards of senior school counselor pay in WA. Factors like the region's cost of living, which indexes slightly higher than the national average, and additional stipends for summer programs or extracurricular roles also play a crucial part in shaping overall compensation for seasoned professionals in the field.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced school counselors make in Camas in 2026?
What drives higher school counselor pay in Camas?
What certifications boost school counselor salary in Camas?
Can experienced school counselors make six figures in Camas?
How much does school counselor salary increase over time in Camas?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $119,711 for school counselors in the Camas metro area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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