School Counselor Hourly Pay in Alabaster, AL: $27.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Alabaster, AL runs $27.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,844 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Alabaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,107 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alabaster, Alabama, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $27.33 in 2026, which falls short of the national median of $30.93. This hourly rate significantly influences the earning potential for part-time counselors working three days a week, as well as those in per-diem positions. For instance, professionals engaged in elementary guidance lessons, middle school group counseling, or high school individual counseling can expect to earn between $20.79 and $42.36 per hour, allowing for a spectrum that accommodates both entry-level counselors and top earners. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, highlighting the financial landscape for school counselors in Alabaster.
About the Alabaster Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.79 | $166.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.78 | $182.22 |
| Median (P50) | $27.33 | $218.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.17 | $273.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.36 | $338.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alabaster
Based on $27.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.33/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alabaster, AL can expect to earn approximately $56,844 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,795. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alabaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alabaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,093.16 | $4,737 | $56,844 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.90 | $2,842 | $34,107 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.26 | $1,895 | $22,738 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Alabaster) | $27.33 |
| Mental Health Counselor (National Avg) | $28.69 |
| Social Worker (National Avg) | $29.33 |
| Elementary School Teacher (National Avg) | $32.79 |
| Instructional Coordinator (National Avg) | $36.21 |
School Counselors in Alabaster, AL earn a median of $56,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.64% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.10% below the Alabama state average of $58,662.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.33/hr = $34,107/year (purchasing power: $38,802).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,844/year (purchasing power: $64,669).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Alabaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Alabaster grew 12.8% from $23.75/hr (2019) to $26.78/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.89/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem school counselors can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabaster metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.05% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly School Counselor in Alabaster
Evaluating the earning potential is essential for both part-time counselors and those considering per-diem opportunities. A school counselor working 24 hours a week at the projected hourly pay would calculate to an annual income that starkly contrasts with full-time salaries, emphasizing flexible work arrangements. Per diem school counselor pay in Alabaster can vary drastically, as private college counselors in higher cost-of-living markets may charge $150 to $400 an hour for direct-pay services, offering a lucrative alternative for skilled counselors. Additionally, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type, whether in public K-12 districts, charter schools, or higher education institutions. While some counselors might accept lower hourly compensation for stable benefits, such as health insurance, others may prefer higher hourly rates without the security of benefits. For those negotiating pay, effective strategies include emphasizing experience and specialized skills to command a better rate within the local context of Alabaster.
More salary data for Alabaster, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Alabaster in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Alabaster?
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How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Alabaster?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for school counselors in Alabaster. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alabaster is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.05%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for school counselors (SOC 21-1012).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov