School Counselor Hourly Pay in Madera, CA: $45.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Madera, CA runs $45.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,479 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Madera's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,687 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madera, California, the school counselor hourly pay stands at a competitive $45.42, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93. This hourly rate provides a substantial income for both full-time professionals and those opting for part-time or per-diem work, such as providing guidance lessons in elementary schools, small group counseling in middle schools, and individual student support in high schools. The hourly pay scale reveals a range that extends from $32.80 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $70.40 for those in the top tier (90th percentile), allowing school counselors to have flexible work arrangements tailored to their career goals. This financial data is derived from annual salary estimates, illustrating a promising landscape for those entering or advancing in the field of counseling in various educational settings.
About the Madera 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) | $32.80 | $262.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.62 | $292.92 |
| Median (P50) | $45.42 | $363.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.14 | $465.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.40 | $563.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madera
Based on $45.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.42/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madera, CA can expect to earn approximately $94,479 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,507. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Madera.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madera
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,816.90 | $7,873 | $94,479 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,090.14 | $4,724 | $56,687 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $726.76 | $3,149 | $37,791 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Madera) | $45.42 |
| 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 Madera, CA earn a median of $94,479 per year (2026 est.), which is 46.85% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.30% below the California state average of $96,703.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.42/hr = $56,687/year (purchasing power: $50,121).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,479/year (purchasing power: $83,536).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Madera grew 12.8% from $39.47/hr (2019) to $44.51/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.35/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 Madera 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 Madera
Engaging in part-time counseling—about 24 hours a week—translates to an annual take-home pay that can be quite fulfilling, although it may not rival full-time earnings. Typically, a part-time school counselor can earn just under $55,000 annually, depending on their specific hourly engagements. The per diem school counselor pay in Madera varies widely; private consultants can charge anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour for specialized services, particularly for college admissions guidance, which can significantly boost income beyond standard earnings in school settings. Different employer types also offer varying hourly rates; K-12 public schools generally follow a structured pay scale, while charter and private schools might provide higher rates to attract qualified counselors. This diversity in payment reflects the benefits counselors weigh when choosing between secure positions with benefits versus higher hourly wages without the same safety net. For those working hourly in this profession, being savvy during negotiations can secure better pay, especially considering the current trends in mental health funding and the urgent need for comprehensive counseling support in schools throughout Madera.
More salary data for Madera, 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 Madera. 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 Madera 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