Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Seattle, WA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Median annual salary $86,490 +32.8% vs national
Median hourly $41.58
10th percentile $58,340
90th percentile $131,710
Employed locally 3,050
National median $65,140

Compare Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salary & buying power

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Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
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    In Seattle, WA, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically earn a median annual salary of $86,490, which translates to approximately $41.58 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national median for this occupation, standing at $65,140 annually. When compared to the area's median household income of $112,594, these counselors' earnings are slightly below the local average but still represent a competitive income within the region. With a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.30%, the job market appears stable and favorable for professionals in this field.

    Entry-level Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Seattle tend to earn around $58,340 annually, which is at the 10th percentile. As they gain experience, their earnings can rise substantially, with those at the 25th percentile earning about $69,590, while more experienced counselors might reach salaries as high as $111,790 at the 75th percentile and up to $131,710 at the 90th percentile. The significant salary growth from entry-level to experienced positions is primarily driven by factors such as additional qualifications, specialized skills, years of service, and responsibilities that often accompany higher roles within educational institutions or private practice settings.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $58,340
    25th
    $69,590
    50th (median)
    $86,490
    75th
    $111,790
    90th
    $131,710

    Seattle economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.30% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $112,594 2023 • Census ACS
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salary vs area income 77% Median Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salary is 23% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make per hour in Seattle?

    The median hourly wage for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Seattle, WA is $41.58, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $62.05 or more per hour.

    Is Seattle above or below average for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salaries?

    The median Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors salary in Seattle, WA is 32.8% above the national median of $65,140. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Seattle?

    Entry-level Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors (10th percentile) earn around $58,340 per year in Seattle, WA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $69,590.