School Counselor Hourly Pay in Pelham, AL: $26.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Pelham, AL runs $26.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,252 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Pelham's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,553 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $26.08 in 2026, which falls short of the national hourly median of $30.93. This relatively lower pay scale reflects the economic factors within the region and may influence part-time professionals seeking work in schools. For those working three days a week, this translates to a decent compensation while allowing flexibility for personal commitments. Per-diem workers, who find themselves in roles such as elementary guidance, middle school group counseling, or high school individual sessions, have the potential to earn between $19.91 and $39.73 per hour, depending on experience and specific job demands. Entry-level counselors can expect to start around $19.91, while seasoned professionals may command rates approaching $39.73. It is essential to consider that these hourly figures are derived from estimated annual salary data, showcasing the diverse earning potentials available in the school counseling field.
About the Pelham 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) | $19.91 | $159.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.59 | $172.75 |
| Median (P50) | $26.08 | $208.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.65 | $261.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.73 | $317.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pelham
Based on $26.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.08/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pelham, AL can expect to earn approximately $54,255 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,301. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pelham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pelham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,043.36 | $4,521 | $54,255 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $626.02 | $2,713 | $32,553 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $417.34 | $1,808 | $21,702 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Pelham) | $26.08 |
| 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 Pelham, AL earn a median of $54,252 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.67% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $58,651.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.08/hr = $32,553/year (purchasing power: $37,034).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,255/year (purchasing power: $61,723).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Pelham grew 12.8% from $22.66/hr (2019) to $25.56/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.62/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 Pelham 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 Pelham
Part-time school counselors in Pelham, working for 24 hours weekly, would bring home approximately $32,460 annually, a figure that contrasts sharply with the earnings of full-time peers. As a result, many who pursue per diem roles or agency positions often encounter a very different pay scale; for instance, private college counselors can charge rates between $150 to $400 per hour for consulting services in higher-cost markets. Additionally, summer counseling work can enhance income significantly, adding upwards of $5,000 to $15,000 to base earnings. School counselors in Pelham may find varied hourly rates based on employer types, from K-12 public schools to private institutions. While some might opt for lower hourly rates to secure health benefits, others favor a higher pay structure without such coverage. Negotiating pay in this profession often hinges on highlighting educational qualifications and demonstrating experience, particularly as the ASCA advocates for competitive compensation that reflects the growing demands for mental health support in schools.
More salary data for Pelham, 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 Pelham. 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 Pelham 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