Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn a robust average annual salary of $89,890. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $60,060, reflecting the region's strong demand for specialized career support and its dynamic economic landscape. The higher compensation is often attributed to the concentration of educational institutions and a thriving job market that necessitates expert guidance.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $89,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $131,710.
- Outlook: The job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, while not hyper-concentrated with a Location Quotient of 0.66, demonstrates a stable presence with 1.465 jobs per 1,000 workers. The local workforce of 3,050 indicates a substantial number of professionals in this field, suggesting consistent opportunities and a steady demand for their services within the metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+49.7%above the national average.
$43.2
$1,729
$7,491
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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, have experienced growth over the past four years. Economic expansion, increased demand for career services, and inflation typically drive salary increases in professional roles, aligning with national trends.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight the substantial earning potential as one advances in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $58,340 | $28 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $67,418 | $32.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $86,490 | $41.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $112,363 | $54 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $131,710 | $63.3 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$89,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$89,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $89,890 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 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 a counselor's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comfortable standard of living without the premium often associated with high-paying, high-cost-of-living cities.
Job Market Context
3,050
Total Jobs
1.465
Per 1K Jobs
0.66
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.66x 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 0.66, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is active and provides ample opportunities, it may not be oversaturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $89,890. This typically ranges from $58,340 for entry-level positions to $131,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 49.7% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative area.The average salary of $89,890 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating strong earning potential and purchasing power.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($106,330) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $89,890, which is substantially higher than the national average of $60,060.
What is the cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA for counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How many counselors are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?
There are approximately 3,050 Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area.
Is the job market for counselors concentrated in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The job market for these professionals is slightly less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.66, indicating a healthy but not overly saturated market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,050 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 1.465 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 Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA