Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Bellingham, WA
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Bellingham, WA, command an impressive average annual salary of $80,700. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,060, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher value placed on these crucial support roles within the Bellingham community. Factors such as the specific needs of local educational institutions and workforce development initiatives likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $80,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $129,980.
- Outlook: The job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Bellingham, WA, appears stable with a local workforce of 200 professionals. A Location Quotient of 1.0 suggests that the concentration of these roles in Bellingham is on par with the national average, implying a steady, consistent demand rather than explosive growth. The presence of 2.225 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces this outlook, indicating a healthy, albeit not hyper-competitive, employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Bellingham, WA earns+34.4%above the national average.
$38.8
$1,552
$6,725
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bellingham is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors have experienced a positive growth trend over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased awareness of mental health, career development importance, and evolving educational landscapes typically drive salary increases in this sector, suggesting a likely upward trajectory for compensation in Bellingham.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Bellingham, WA, is typically marked by increasing salary potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear opportunities for advancement and increased earning power as counselors gain expertise and take on more complex responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $55,550 | $26.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $60,525 | $29.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $72,480 | $34.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $100,875 | $48.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $129,980 | $62.5 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$80,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$80,700
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $80,700 in Bellingham, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Bellingham is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is notably higher than the national average, the cost of living does not inflate this advantage, suggesting that the increased earnings translate directly to a comparable standard of living.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
2.225
Per 1K Jobs
1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.00, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.0, the market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Bellingham, WA, is neither over-saturated nor significantly underserved compared to the national landscape. This equilibrium suggests a balanced job market where demand and supply are relatively stable. Professionals entering this field can expect a competitive but accessible environment, with opportunities available for those who meet the qualifications and demonstrate relevant skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Bellingham, WA is $80,700. This typically ranges from $55,550 for entry-level positions to $129,980 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 34.4% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $80,700 is substantially higher than the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, this translates to strong purchasing power for counselors in Bellingham.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($95,970) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does Bellingham's counselor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Bellingham, WA, is $80,700, which is significantly higher than the national average of $60,060.
What is the cost of living in Bellingham, WA for counselors?
The cost of living in Bellingham, WA, is at the national average, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a salary in Bellingham is comparable to the national average.
How concentrated is the job market for counselors in Bellingham?
The job market for these professionals in Bellingham, WA, has a Location Quotient of 1.0, meaning the concentration of these roles is exactly at the national average, indicating a balanced market.
What is the total number of counselors employed in Bellingham, WA?
There are approximately 200 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors employed in Bellingham, WA, contributing to a local workforce of 2.225 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 2.225 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA