School Counselor Hourly Pay in Pittsburg, CA: $46.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Pittsburg, CA runs $46.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,260 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Pittsburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,356 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the realm of school counseling in Pittsburg, California, the projected hourly pay stands at $46.76 for 2026, significantly above the national median of $30.93. This attractive hourly rate allows professionals in this field to engage in various part-time arrangements. For instance, a school counselor working three days a week typically handles responsibilities such as facilitating classroom guidance lessons in elementary schools, conducting small group counseling sessions in middle schools, or providing individualized support in high school counseling offices. The hourly compensation also shows a promising range, with entry-level positions starting around $32.00 and experienced counselors earning as much as $72.48 per hour. These estimates, drawn from annual salary data, reflect the value of counseling services in education and the critical role they play in addressing the mental health needs of students.
About the Pittsburg 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) | $32.00 | $256.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.52 | $292.19 |
| Median (P50) | $46.76 | $374.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.85 | $478.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.48 | $579.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pittsburg
Based on $46.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.76/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pittsburg, CA can expect to earn approximately $97,259 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,111. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pittsburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pittsburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,870.37 | $8,105 | $97,259 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,122.22 | $4,863 | $58,356 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $748.15 | $3,242 | $38,904 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Pittsburg) | $46.76 |
| 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 Pittsburg, CA earn a median of $97,260 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.18% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.50% above the California state average of $96,776.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.76/hr = $58,356/year (purchasing power: $51,596).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,259/year (purchasing power: $85,994).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Pittsburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Pittsburg grew 12.8% from $40.63/hr (2019) to $45.82/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.72/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 Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg
Beyond the straightforward appeal of hourly rates, it’s essential to consider the financial dynamics for part-time counselors. A school counselor working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $54,691 annually, which illustrates the stark contrast to a full-time, year-round position where counselors might draw salaries exceeding $97,260. The realm of per-diem school counselors in Pittsburg showcases even higher earnings potential; for instance, private college counselors can command fees ranging from $150 to $400 per hour for specialized services, particularly in high-cost living areas. Various employment settings, including K-12 public schools, charter schools, and private institutions, contribute to a spectrum of pay rates, revealing a complex landscape where health benefits might trade-off with higher hourly wages. For those negotiable on benefits, it is advisable to seek clarity on holiday pay and overtime, ensuring that compensation aligns with the demands of their roles while reflecting the community's cost of living and the expansion of mental health funding in schools since the pandemic.
More salary data for Pittsburg, 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 Pittsburg. 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 Pittsburg 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