Outdoor lifestyle, aerospace, tech relocation magnet. Here's how School Counselors in Denver get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Denver metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $57,000 | $43,400 | $74,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $70,900 | $53,900 | $92,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $81,500 | $62,000 | $106,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $97,800 | $74,400 | $127,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $110,800 | $84,300 | $144,100 |
Highest-paying metros for School Counselors — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Denver metro economy.
The average School Counselor salary in the Denver metro is $81,500 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $62,000 to $106,000 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $134,500 or more.
Yes — Denver pays +1% relative to the Colorado state median for School Counselors. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Denver vs. national: +18%. That puts Denver among the stronger US markets for School Counselors — though cost of living in Denver is also typically elevated.
In Denver, the median School Counselor salary of $81,500 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level School Counselors in Denver start around $57,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $97,800 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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