Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Washington
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Washington earn a substantial average annual salary of $87,560, significantly outpacing the national average of $60,060. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Washington's robust economy and a higher demand for specialized guidance services within its educational institutions and workforce development agencies.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,830.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,910 individuals in this role, Washington demonstrates a notable presence of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors. The Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable, yet not oversaturated, job market where demand is consistent.
Salary Overview
The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Washington earns+45.8%above the national average.
$42.1
$1,684
$7,297
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 Washington have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing demand for mental health and career support services, coupled with inflation adjustments.
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Washington
Salary progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career trajectory and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $55,830 | $26.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $65,670 | $31.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $83,930 | $40.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $109,450 | $52.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $127,830 | $61.5 |
Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$76,073
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The nominal average salary of $87,560 in Washington presents a mixed picture when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1. While the salary is considerably higher than the national average, the cost of living is also above the national benchmark, meaning that the purchasing power of this salary, though strong, requires careful budgeting in the state.
Job Market Context
5,910
Total Jobs
1.671
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.75x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.75 for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Washington indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the role is present and valued, the market is not saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified professionals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Washington is $87,560. This typically ranges from $55,830 for entry-level positions to $127,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 45.8% higher than the national median of $60,060.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary of $87,560 significantly exceeds the national average, providing strong earning potential despite a slightly higher cost of living.
Is Washington a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($89,890) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average salary in Washington is $87,560, which is approximately $27,500 higher than the national average of $60,060 for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors.
What is the concentration of this job in Washington compared to the rest of the US?
Washington has a Location Quotient of 0.75, meaning the concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors is slightly lower than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. The higher salary helps offset this, but it remains a factor in disposable income.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
The 1.671 jobs per 1,000 workers figure suggests a moderate level of employment for this profession within Washington's overall workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,910 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 1.671 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 Washington