Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing — no state income tax. Here's how School Counselors in Seattle get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Seattle metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $66,800 | $50,800 | $86,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $83,000 | $63,100 | $108,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $95,500 | $72,600 | $124,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $114,600 | $87,100 | $149,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $129,800 | $98,700 | $168,900 |
Highest-paying metros for School Counselors — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Seattle metro economy.
The average School Counselor salary in the Seattle metro is $95,500 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $72,600 to $124,200 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $157,600 or more.
Yes — Seattle pays +6% relative to the Washington 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.
Seattle vs. national: +38%. That puts Seattle among the stronger US markets for School Counselors — though cost of living in Seattle is also typically elevated.
In Seattle, the median School Counselor salary of $95,500 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level School Counselors in Seattle start around $66,800, while seniors (10+ years) reach $114,600 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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