School Counselor Hourly Pay in Corona, CA: $47.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Corona, CA runs $47.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,575 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Corona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,145 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Corona, California, school counselors earn a median hourly pay of $47.39, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $30.93. This disparity highlights the unique economic landscape in California, especially for those working part-time or per-diem as school counselors. Counselors engaged in after-school programs or summer sessions often work in different settings like elementary schools providing classroom guidance, middle schools conducting small group sessions, or high schools offering individual counseling. The hourly pay range in Corona varies widely, from $31.45 for entry-level positions to $73.46 for seasoned professionals. Such figures provide a solid foundation for both aspiring counselors and those looking to augment their income through part-time roles, as these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates.
About the Corona 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) | $31.45 | $251.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.28 | $290.23 |
| Median (P50) | $47.39 | $379.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.30 | $482.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.46 | $587.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corona
Based on $47.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.39/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corona, CA can expect to earn approximately $98,575 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,870. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Corona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,895.68 | $8,215 | $98,575 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,137.41 | $4,929 | $59,145 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $758.27 | $3,286 | $39,430 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Corona) | $47.39 |
| 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 Corona, CA earn a median of $98,575 per year (2026 est.), which is 53.22% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.90% above the California state average of $96,737.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.39/hr = $59,145/year (purchasing power: $52,295).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,575/year (purchasing power: $87,158).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Corona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.76/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Corona grew 12.8% from $41.18/hr (2019) to $46.44/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.36/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 Corona 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 Corona
For counselors considering part-time work at a three-day-per-week schedule, the financial implications can be substantial. Working 24 hours a week can yield an annual gross income that is still competitive, especially given the hourly compensation. Per diem work is also a viable option; in higher-cost markets, private college counselors can charge anywhere from $150 to $400 an hour, demonstrating a stark contrast to typical school settings in Corona. Employment in various educational contexts—from K-12 public schools to charter networks and post-secondary institutions—can lead to differences in hourly rates. Some counselors may opt for lower pay that includes benefits, choosing job security over higher, hourly-only rates. For those negotiating in Corona, understanding the local job market and exploring options with supplemental roles can enhance financial stability and professional satisfaction.
More salary data for Corona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Corona in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Corona?
Are school counselors in Corona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Corona?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Corona?
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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 Corona. 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 Corona 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