School Counselor Hourly Pay in Apple Valley, CA: $46.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Apple Valley, CA runs $46.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Apple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,655 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Apple Valley, California, school counselors receive a median hourly pay of $46.20, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $30.93. This elevated rate reflects the cost-of-living considerations within the area and the demand for qualified counselors across various settings, including elementary guidance lessons, middle school small group sessions, and high school individual counseling offices. For those considering part-time work, such as a schedule that involves three days a week, the compensation can still be quite favorable, given the hourly range spans from $30.91 for entry-level positions to $71.61 for those at the top of their field. It’s important to understand that these figures are derived from annual salary data, and actual earnings can vary based on experience and specific employer circumstances.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.91 | $247.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.18 | $305.42 |
| Median (P50) | $46.20 | $369.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.96 | $471.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.61 | $572.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Apple Valley
Based on $46.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.20/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Apple Valley, CA can expect to earn approximately $96,092 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,438. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Apple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Apple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,847.92 | $8,008 | $96,092 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,108.75 | $4,805 | $57,655 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $739.17 | $3,203 | $38,437 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Apple Valley) | $46.20 |
| 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 Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $96,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 49.37% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.70% below the California state average of $96,773.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.20/hr = $57,655/year (purchasing power: $50,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,092/year (purchasing power: $84,962).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Apple Valley grew 12.8% from $40.14/hr (2019) to $45.27/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.15/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 Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley
When analyzing the earning potential for a part-time school counselor in Apple Valley, a professional working three days a week, typically serving 24 hours, could anticipate an annual income of about $58,144. In contrast, full-time counselors generally command more salary over the same period, suggesting a greater financial benefit to committing to a full-time position. For per-diem opportunities, such as those available in college admissions consulting, counselors can earn rates between $150 to $400 per hour, especially in high-cost-of-living markets. Hourly rates also vary depending on the employer type; K-12 public school positions often follow a traditional pay scale similar to that of teachers, while private schools may offer more lucrative rates for experienced counselors without the same benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for counselors in Apple Valley, as job offers may vary between school districts, charter schools, and private institutions. Negotiation strategies that emphasize qualifications and the value of comprehensive benefits can help individuals maximize their hourly compensation regardless of their employment model.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Apple Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Apple Valley?
Are school counselors in Apple Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Apple Valley?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Apple Valley?
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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 Apple Valley. 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 Apple Valley 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