School Counselor Hourly Pay in Tempe, AZ: $25.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Tempe, AZ runs $25.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,706 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Tempe's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,623 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tempe, AZ, school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $25.34 in 2026, which significantly trails the national hourly median of $30.93. This disparity highlights the financial consideration for those balancing part-time positions—such as working three days a week in elementary classroom guidance or providing small group counseling in middle schools. Especially in current settings, where school counselors manage crisis responses or offer individual support in high school offices, the hourly pay structure plays a critical role in their decision-making. For new entrants, the hourly rate can start around $18.25, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $39.28. The ranges indicate not just experience, but also reflect the dynamic demands of a counseling career in diverse K-12 environments.
About the Tempe 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) | $18.25 | $145.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.46 | $163.69 |
| Median (P50) | $25.34 | $202.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.34 | $258.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.28 | $314.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tempe
Based on $25.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.34/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tempe, AZ can expect to earn approximately $52,705 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,407. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tempe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tempe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,013.56 | $4,392 | $52,705 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $608.14 | $2,635 | $31,623 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $405.42 | $1,757 | $21,082 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Tempe) | $25.34 |
| 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 Tempe, AZ earn a median of $52,706 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.08% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.40% above the Arizona state average of $52,496.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.34/hr = $31,623/year (purchasing power: $32,105).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,705/year (purchasing power: $53,508).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Tempe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Tempe grew 12.8% from $22.02/hr (2019) to $24.83/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.86/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 Tempe 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 Tempe
Given the substantial differences in compensation, part-time counselors in Tempe can expect their earnings to significantly diverge from those in full-time roles. For example, a school counselor working just three days a week for 24 hours annually may earn a base near $48,000, but those accepting per diem positions often enjoy a pay structure where college counselors charge between $150-$400 per hour for specialized services—especially in high-cost living areas. With many school districts following the traditional K-12 step-and-lane pay structure, those in stable public school systems may find lower hourly rates but gain substantial benefits, unlike agency or per diem workers who command higher pay but lack health insurance. Practical negotiation can benefit hourly workers, particularly in a city like Tempe, where understanding the diverse employer options—ranging from public districts to charter schools—can greatly influence earning potential and career satisfaction. The continued mental health funding post-COVID provides a unique context for counselors exploring new opportunities within schools.
More salary data for Tempe, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Tempe in 2026?
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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 Tempe. 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 Tempe 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