School Counselor Hourly Pay in Apache Junction, AZ: $24.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Apache Junction, AZ runs $24.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,603 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Apache Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,362 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Apache Junction, AZ, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $24.33, which is notably lower than the national median of $30.93. This disparity reflects the unique economic conditions in the area, particularly given that the cost of living index stands at 98.5, slightly below the national average. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this could translate into a modest income suited to supplemental employment or personal commitments. The hourly wage structure ranges from $18.30 for entry-level positions to $37.28 for high-earning counselors. These roles are often found in various educational settings, including elementary schools where guidance lessons take place, middle schools with small group counseling, and high schools that focus on individual student counseling, all of which contribute to the broader mental health initiatives evolving in the post-COVID educational landscape.
About the Apache Junction Market
Salary estimated from Arizona average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.30 | $146.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.13 | $161.08 |
| Median (P50) | $24.33 | $194.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.27 | $242.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.28 | $298.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apache Junction
Based on $24.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.33/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apache Junction, AZ can expect to earn approximately $50,604 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,194. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Apache Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apache Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $973.15 | $4,217 | $50,604 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $583.89 | $2,530 | $30,362 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $389.26 | $1,687 | $20,241 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Apache Junction) | $24.33 |
| 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 Apache Junction, AZ earn a median of $50,603 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.34% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.60% below the Arizona state average of $52,492.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.33/hr = $30,362/year (purchasing power: $30,825).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,604/year (purchasing power: $51,374).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Apache Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Apache Junction grew 12.8% from $21.14/hr (2019) to $23.84/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.83/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 Apache Junction 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 Apache Junction
Regarding part-time earning potential, a school counselor working a typical 24-hour week could expect to bring home approximately $30,448 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those considering per diem school counselor pay in Apache Junction, options may include private college consultation roles that command fees ranging from $150 to $400 per hour, particularly in high-cost local markets. It's essential to note that various employer types—like K-12 public and charter schools, private institutions, and even DoDEA schools—offer distinct hourly rates that may fluctuate based on available benefits and job security. Counselors often weigh the trade-offs between lower hourly wages with health insurance benefits and higher pay in roles without, influencing their career choices. Practical negotiation strategies can also help enhance compensation in this market; potential counselors should research local pay scales and highlight their qualifications when discussing hourly rates, ensuring they secure fair compensation within the dynamic landscape of school counseling in Apache Junction.
More salary data for Apache Junction, AZ:
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 Apache Junction. 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 Apache Junction 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