School Counselor Hourly Pay in Glendale, CA: $46.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Glendale, CA runs $46.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,317 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Glendale's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,394 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median school counselor hourly pay in Glendale, California, is projected to be $46.79. This rate significantly surpasses the national median of $30.93, reflecting the higher cost of living and demand for mental health resources in the region. For part-time counselors working three days a week, or in per-diem positions, this translates into a respectable income from roles that may include conducting elementary classroom guidance lessons, facilitating small group counseling in middle schools, or providing individual counseling in high school settings. The hourly pay range in Glendale spans from $33.64 at entry-level positions to $72.52 for experienced professionals at the top of the scale, illustrating a clear progression in earnings tied to experience and specialization. Given that these hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, they offer a snapshot of the financial landscape school counselors can expect in Glendale.
About the Glendale 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) | $33.64 | $269.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.87 | $302.97 |
| Median (P50) | $46.79 | $374.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.88 | $479.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.52 | $580.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Glendale
Based on $46.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.79/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Glendale, CA can expect to earn approximately $97,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,148. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Glendale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Glendale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,871.60 | $8,110 | $97,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,122.96 | $4,866 | $58,394 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $748.64 | $3,244 | $38,929 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Glendale) | $46.79 |
| 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 Glendale, CA earn a median of $97,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.27% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.60% above the California state average of $96,737.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.79/hr = $58,394/year (purchasing power: $51,630).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,323/year (purchasing power: $86,050).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Glendale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Glendale grew 12.8% from $40.65/hr (2019) to $45.85/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.75/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 Glendale 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 Glendale
Considering part-time opportunities, a school counselor working 24 hours per week can earn a solid income without the commitment of a full-time role. With the hourly rate in mind, part-time counselors might take home significantly less annually compared to their full-time counterparts but can still maintain a viable standard of living. Meanwhile, some professionals are exploring per-diem roles due to high hourly rates in specialized areas; private college counselors can command anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour, reflecting the market's demand for experienced guidance in college admissions. In Glendale, hourly earnings can fluctuate across different educational settings such as K-12 public schools, charter schools, and post-secondary institutions, with those in larger districts undergoing step-and-lane pay structures like teachers, while others may prioritize benefits over higher rates when considering employment offers. Strategically negotiating compensation levels can help counselors maximize their earning potential, and it’s wise to be prepared to discuss not just salary but also any offered benefits during the hiring process.
More salary data for Glendale, CA:
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 Glendale. 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 Glendale 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