Olympia vs Seattle: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Olympia, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,057 | $87,287▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.93 | $41.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,465 | $61,576▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,695 | $73,627▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,860▲ | $104,770 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,810 | $129,062▲ |
| Total Employed | 220 | 3,570▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Olympia.
The salary gap between Olympia and Seattle is $4,230 (5.09%). Seattle's median is +35.68% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $53,345,Seattle spans $67,486. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced school counselors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Olympia ($80,117 effective) pays 2.00% more than Seattle ($78,543 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,117)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,287/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,062)
- ✓Larger job market (3,570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Olympia grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$67,320 (2019) → $81,389 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$61,830 (2019) → $85,534 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Olympia or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Seattle as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Olympia vs Seattle?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov