School Counselor Hourly Pay in Northport, AL: $27.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Northport, AL runs $27.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Northport's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,374 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northport, Alabama, school counselor hourly pay is set at a median of $27.54, which is notably lower than the national median of $30.93. This disparity can impact the opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in various educational settings, including elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, where counselors may provide guidance lessons, small group counseling, and individualized attention to students. The hourly pay range for school counselors in Northport starts at $19.14 for entry-level positions and can escalate to $42.69 for the most experienced counselors, according to projected estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. Since these figures are based on salary data, they reflect anticipated changes in the market that could influence the compensation landscape for school counselors across the region.
About the Northport 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) | $19.14 | $153.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.54 | $172.34 |
| Median (P50) | $27.54 | $220.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.68 | $277.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.69 | $341.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Northport
Based on $27.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.54/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Northport, AL can expect to earn approximately $57,290 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,052. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Northport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Northport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,101.73 | $4,774 | $57,290 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $661.04 | $2,865 | $34,374 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $440.69 | $1,910 | $22,916 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Northport) | $27.54 |
| 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 Northport, AL earn a median of $57,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.96% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.40% below the Alabama state average of $58,694.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.54/hr = $34,374/year (purchasing power: $39,106).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,290/year (purchasing power: $65,176).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Northport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Northport grew 12.8% from $23.93/hr (2019) to $26.99/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.11/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 Northport 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 Northport
Considering a part-time schedule, a school counselor working three days a week for a total of 24 hours would earn significantly less annually compared to those working full-time. Additionally, per-diem work offers a different financial landscape; while the average per diem school counselor pay in Northport may be lower than desired, private college counselors in higher cost-of-living areas often charge $150 to $400 per hour for direct pay consulting. This discrepancy is essential to consider, especially when weighing the stability of K-12 positions with benefits against potentially higher wage opportunities that lack such benefits. For school counselors in Northport, hourly rates can differ across various employment types, including K-12 public schools, charter schools, and post-secondary institutions, often following a step-and-lane structure akin to teacher pay. Those looking for negotiation tips might find it beneficial to emphasize comprehensive benefits in exchange for a lower hourly rate or to seek contract opportunities that align with higher per diem pay. The enhanced focus on mental health support in schools post-COVID could also lead to increased funding for counseling positions, aligning with ASCA standards for counselor-to-student ratios.
More salary data for Northport, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Northport. 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 Northport 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