School Counselor Jobs in Denver, CO

Denver, Colorado$83,200 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About School Counselor Jobs in Denver

Looking for a School Counselor job in Denver? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a School Counselor in Denver, CO.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Denver has a strong job market for School Counselors. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

School Counselor Salary in Denver

Entry Level
$54,400
Median
$83,200
Senior Level
$117,760

School Counselor salaries in Denver are 28% above the national average, reflecting the competitive local market.

Purchasing power in Denver is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

CounselingStudent DevelopmentCrisis InterventionCommunicationCareer Guidance

School Counselor Job Market in Denver

Denver, CO is one of America's premier job markets for School Counselor professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 716K residents, Denver balances career opportunities with quality of life. While Technology leads the local economy, there's growing demand for School Counselor roles across various sectors. The market for School Counselor positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring School Counselors in Denver

State of ColoradoCity of DenverRTDDenver Public Schools

Major employers hiring School Counselors in Denver include State of Colorado, City of Denver, RTD, Denver Public Schools. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for School Counselors in Denver

Living in Denver as a School Counselor means navigating a cost of living that's above the national average at 128% of baseline. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Housing costs are manageable for School Counselor salaries in the area. Suburban apartments average $1,500/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

128
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 1
Market Size

Commuting as a School Counselor in Denver

Denver RTD light rail system, bus network, and commuter rail to airport. The average commute time is 27 minutes. Light rail reaches major employment centers including DTC. A Line connects downtown to Denver International Airport.

Best neighborhoods for School Counselors in Denver: LoDo (Lower Downtown) (Historic district with tech startups); RiNo (River North) (Trendy area with tech companies); Denver Tech Center (Suburban tech campus corridor). LoDo (Lower Downtown) is particularly popular among School Counselor professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Colorado

Colorado has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for School Counselors

The job outlook for School Counselors in Denver is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. As a Tier 1 market, Denver typically has more openings but also more competition from experienced professionals. In-demand skills include Counseling, Student Development, Crisis Intervention, Communication.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average School Counselor salary in Denver, CO?

The average School Counselor salary in Denver, CO is $83,200 per year. Entry-level School Counselors typically start around $54,400, while experienced professionals can earn $117,760 or more. The national average for School Counselor roles is $65,000.

How many School Counselor jobs are available in Denver?

Denver has a robust job market with hundreds of openings for School Counselor professionals. Major employers hiring School Counselors include State of Colorado, City of Denver, RTD, Denver Public Schools. The Technology and Aerospace sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Denver a good city for School Counselors?

Denver is an excellent choice for School Counselors. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for education professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for School Counselors in Denver?

Top skills for School Counselors in Denver include Counseling, Student Development, Crisis Intervention, Communication, Career Guidance. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for School Counselors in Denver?

Denver's cost of living is above the national average (128% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Denver is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for School Counselors in Denver?

Denver RTD light rail system, bus network, and commuter rail to airport. The average commute is 27 minutes. Light rail reaches major employment centers including DTC.

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