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School Counselor Salaries in Oregon — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a school counselor make in Oregon? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $74,000/yr ($35.58/hr), with around 3,330 people working in this field statewide.

School Counselor salaries in Oregon are above the national average by approximately $9,280. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%.

Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push school counselor pay higher in Oregon.

Oregon School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Oregon after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$74,000
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$54,105

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Oregon School Counselor Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Oregon median of $74,000.

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School Counselor Salary by Experience — Oregon

Entry Level (0–2 years)$45,900/yr · $22.07/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Oregon.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$65,860/yr · $31.66/hr
Established professional working independently in Oregon. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$82,140/yr · $39.49/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Oregon.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$106,600+/yr · $51.25/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Oregon.
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School Counselor Salary Trend in Oregon — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

school counselors pay in Oregon has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the school counselor workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Oregon's K-12 education.

2021
$64,972
2022
$68,746
+5.8%
2023
$71,928
+4.6%
2024
$73,112
+1.6%
2026
$74,000
+1.2%

School Counselor Salary by City — Oregon

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Portland$82,150$39.50+11.0%1,165
Salem$78,450$37.72+6.0%932
Eugene$76,200$36.63+3.0%599
Gresham$71,050$34.16-4.0%299
Hillsboro$67,350$32.38-9.0%199
Beaverton$64,400$30.96-13.0%133

Tip: Portland offers the highest school counselor salaries in Oregon at $82,150/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Oregon vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Oregon sits in the mid-range for school counselors.

Oregon — 9.9% state income tax$74,000 gross~$54,105 take-home
Washington — no state tax$83,930 gross+13.4% vs OR
Idaho — 5.8%$60,340 gross-18.5% vs OR
Nevada — no state tax$64,960 gross-12.2% vs OR

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%.

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School Counselor Job Outlook in Oregon

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
3,330Currently employed
333+New jobs projected

Employment for school counselors in Oregon is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Oregon job market. Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push school counselor pay higher in Oregon.

How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Oregon

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Oregon typically adds $60,700 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Portland pays school counselors $82,150/yr — +11.0% above the Oregon average. Simply relocating within Oregon can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. School Counselors who specialise in K-12 education typically command premium rates in Oregon. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Washington pays school counselors $83,930/yr — 13.4% vs Oregon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a school counselor earn in Oregon on average?
The average school counselor salary in Oregon is $74,000 per year, or $35.58 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $45,900 while experienced professionals earn $106,600 or more.
Where do school counselors earn the most in Oregon?
Portland pays school counselors the most in Oregon at an average of $82,150 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is school counselor pay in Oregon above or below the US average?
Oregon school counselor salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $9,280. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%.
What's the after-tax salary for school counselors in Oregon?
A school counselor earning the Oregon average of $74,000 takes home approximately $54,105 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Oregon has a state income tax rate of up to 9.9%.
Is school counselor a good career in Oregon?
Yes. School Counselor is a strong career choice in Oregon with steady demand projected over the next decade. Tech-driven growth and high cost of living combine to push school counselor pay higher in Oregon.
How do you become a licensed school counselor in Oregon?
In Oregon, school counselors are licensed through the State Department of Education. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Department of Education for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.