School Counselor Hourly Pay in Irvine, CA: $48.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Irvine, CA runs $48.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,480 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Irvine's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,291 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Irvine, California, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to reach $48.31 in 2026, significantly exceeding the national median of $30.93 per hour. This competitive rate is particularly favorable for both part-time counselors and those engaged in per diem work, often found in various educational environments such as elementary classrooms, middle school small group counseling, and high school individual counseling offices. For school counselors working part-time, the hourly range runs from $33.23 at the lower end, appealing to entry-level professionals, up to $74.87 for those at the top of the salary scale. These estimates are derived from annual salary data but reflect the reality of hourly compensation for counseling roles that play a fundamental part in student well-being and academic guidance.
About the Irvine 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) | $33.23 | $265.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.16 | $305.25 |
| Median (P50) | $48.31 | $386.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.83 | $494.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.87 | $598.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvine
Based on $48.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.31/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvine, CA can expect to earn approximately $100,486 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,973. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,932.42 | $8,374 | $100,486 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,159.45 | $5,024 | $60,291 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $772.97 | $3,350 | $40,194 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Irvine) | $48.31 |
| 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 Irvine, CA earn a median of $100,480 per year (2026 est.), which is 56.18% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.90% above the California state average of $96,709.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.31/hr = $60,291/year (purchasing power: $53,308).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,486/year (purchasing power: $88,847).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Irvine grew 12.8% from $41.98/hr (2019) to $47.34/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.30/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 Irvine 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 Irvine
When considering a part-time school counselor position (approximately 24 hours per week), professionals in Irvine could realize annual earnings significantly lower than full-time counterparts, while still benefiting from flexible scheduling. Many counselors opt for per diem roles where demand is high, especially given the post-COVID expansion of mental health funding in school districts, often charging $150 to $400 per hour for private counseling sessions. This variance in school counselor hourly pay in Irvine can also stem from the type of school, whether it be K-12 public schools, charter schools, or private institutions. The choice between roles with lower hourly rates but robust health benefits versus higher-paying positions with less job security is a common dilemma. Effective negotiation tactics should emphasize a counselor's unique skill set, and the growing demand for mental health resources can provide leverage in discussions about compensation packages. Counselors should thoughtfully weigh these considerations to find the right fit for their financial and career goals, while also adhering to ASCA's recommended counselor-to-student ratios.
More salary data for Irvine, 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 Irvine. 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 Irvine 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