Colorado School Counselor Salary Guide - 2025

School Counselor Certification

by School Counselor Certification Staff

Updated: November 1st, 2024

The salary for school counselors in Colorado varies based on several factors. The median salary is $73,478 (Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023) and projected to grow 18.3% from 2022 to 2032. However, personal salaries are depending on factors such as education level, years of experience, district funding, and location. Urban areas like Denver often offer higher pay due to cost of living, while rural districts may have lower salaries.

Positive Factors Affecting Salaries:

  • Experience: More years in the field typically lead to higher pay.
  • Education: Counselors with advanced degrees (e.g., master’s or doctoral) earn more.
  • Location: Urban and well-funded school districts tend to pay higher salaries.

Negative Factors:

  • Rural Areas: Lower funding in rural districts can result in lower salaries.
  • Budget Constraints: School budgets directly impact counselor salaries, and cuts in education funding can stagnate pay raises.

Importance for Aspiring Counselors:

Understanding these factors helps individuals make informed career decisions. It allows them to set realistic expectations for earnings and consider locations or further education to maximize their salary potential. It also emphasizes the importance of advocating for better funding and resources in the education system to support their role.

Colorado School Counselor Salaries – Visualized

School Counselors Salaries in urban areas of Colorado

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Boulder, CO420$82,378
Colorado Springs, CO820$68,586
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO2,820$76,359
Fort Collins, CO440$73,013
Grand Junction, CO160$66,355
Greeley, CO250$68,005
Pueblo, CO190$65,391
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023

School Counselors Salaries in rural areas of Colorado

Metro Area# EmployedMean Salary
Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area150$62,068
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area260$64,113
Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area190$76,406
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics - 2023