Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $85,130. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,060, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher compensation structures within the region's educational and career support sectors. The specialized nature of these roles and the specific economic drivers within the Portland metropolitan area likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $85,130 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $134,700.
- Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area supports a local workforce of approximately 1,900 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors. While the Location Quotient of 0.7 suggests a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, the presence of nearly two thousand individuals in this field points to a stable and established job market. The rate of 1.562 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these vital services within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+41.7%above the national average.
$40.9
$1,637
$7,094
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, evolving educational landscapes, and increased emphasis on career development services typically drive salary increases in this profession. Professionals in this field can anticipate a positive trajectory in their earning potential, reflecting the ongoing value placed on their expertise.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While the exact percentile gaps are not detailed here, experienced professionals, particularly those with specialized skills or advanced degrees, can command higher salaries. The difference between the lower and upper salary percentiles often signifies the value placed on years of experience, demonstrated success in guiding individuals, and the ability to manage complex caseloads or program development.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $49,600 | $23.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $63,848 | $30.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $80,490 | $38.7 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $106,413 | $51.2 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $134,700 | $64.8 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$85,130
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$85,130
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $85,130 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is particularly attractive when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the salary earned by counselors in this region is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, the higher average salary directly translates to a strong real income, allowing professionals to maintain a comparable or potentially better standard of living than their counterparts in other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
1,900
Total Jobs
1.562
Per 1K Jobs
0.7
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.70x the national average concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.7, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA market has a slightly lower concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors relative to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and supported by a substantial local workforce, it may not be as saturated as in some other regions. This could imply a potentially competitive but also opportunity-rich environment for skilled professionals seeking employment, as demand may outpace the readily available supply of candidates in certain specializations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $85,130. This typically ranges from $49,600 for entry-level positions to $134,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 41.7% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?
Yes, it is a lucrative area for these professionals.The average salary of $85,130 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national benchmark, your earnings offer strong purchasing power.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($81,800) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $85,130, which is substantially higher than the national average of $60,060.
What is the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA for counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for counselors in this area?
The market supports 1,900 professionals, with 1.562 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a steady demand for these services within the region.
Does experience significantly impact counselor salaries in Portland?
Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior roles typically commanding higher compensation than entry-level positions, reflecting increased expertise and responsibility.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,900 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 1.562 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA