School Counselor Hourly Pay in Los Angeles, CA: $37.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Los Angeles, CA runs $37.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,007 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Los Angeles's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.6, 14% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,403 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Los Angeles, school counselors can expect to see a median hourly pay of $37.98, significantly surpassing the national median hourly rate of $30.93. This competitive pay level reflects the high cost of living in CA and the expanding mental health initiatives following the COVID-19 pandemic, which have increased the demand for qualified counselors across multiple educational environments. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate offers a practical income. Additionally, school counselors working in elementary, middle, or high school settings often find themselves engaged in a range of activities, from facilitating guidance lessons to responding in crisis situations. Entry-level positions typically start at an hourly rate of $23.89, while experienced counselors can reach up to $64.92 per hour, providing ample opportunities for professional advancement.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.89 | $191.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.11 | $232.92 |
| Median (P50) | $37.98 | $303.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.45 | $419.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.92 | $519.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Angeles
Based on $37.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.98/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Angeles, CA can expect to earn approximately $79,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,580. With a cost-of-living index of 113.57 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Los Angeles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Angeles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,519.32 | $6,584 | $79,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $911.59 | $3,950 | $47,403 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.73 | $2,633 | $31,602 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Los Angeles) | $37.98 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA earn a median of $79,007 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.81% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 18.30% below the California state average of $96,704.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.98/hr = $47,403/year (purchasing power: $41,740).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,005/year (purchasing power: $69,567).
CoL index: 113.566 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.22/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+2.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Los Angeles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Los Angeles grew -1.9% from $37.93/hr (2019) to $37.22/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.76/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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
Focusing on per diem school counselor pay in Los Angeles reveals various financial dynamics that affect overall earnings. A counselor working part-time, roughly amounting to 24 hours per week, may take home about $46,000 annually, far below a full-time salary yet still providing decent income. For those in the per-diem sector, the landscape changes dramatically; such counselors can charge between $150 to $400 per hour, especially in high-cost markets or private institutions. Notably, extended school year programs can add an additional $5,000 to $15,000 to a counselor's annual income. The type of institution can greatly influence hourly compensation; public K-12 districts generally offer consistent pay reflecting the step-and-lane structure, while private and charter schools may provide flexibility in rates but often lack benefits like health insurance—an important factor for those considering their options. Effective negotiation skills are particularly beneficial in Los Angeles, where offering higher hourly rates may come at the cost of essential benefits, prompting some counselors to seek a balance that best meets their financial and personal needs.
More salary data for Los Angeles, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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