School Counselor Hourly Pay in Redwood City, CA: $45.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Redwood City, CA runs $45.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,617 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Redwood City's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the school counselor hourly pay in Redwood City, CA is projected to be $45.49, significantly above the national hourly median of $30.93. This disparity provides a favorable situation for school counselors in the area, especially those considering part-time or per-diem positions. For instance, a counselor working three days a week could earn a substantial income through elementary classroom guidance or high school individual counseling. The hourly range for school counselors in Redwood City fluctuates from $32.90 at the entry-level to $70.51 for more experienced professionals. This range highlights the diverse earning potential available within different educational settings—whether in K-12 public schools, charter institutions, or private colleges—allowing counselors to tailor their workload according to their financial needs and career goals.
About the Redwood City 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) | $32.90 | $263.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.76 | $286.07 |
| Median (P50) | $45.49 | $363.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.23 | $465.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.51 | $564.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Redwood City
Based on $45.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.49/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Redwood City, CA can expect to earn approximately $94,627 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,593. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Redwood City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Redwood City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,819.76 | $7,886 | $94,627 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,091.85 | $4,731 | $56,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $727.90 | $3,154 | $37,851 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Redwood City) | $45.49 |
| 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 Redwood City, CA earn a median of $94,617 per year (2026 est.), which is 47.07% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.20% below the California state average of $96,745.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.49/hr = $56,776/year (purchasing power: $50,200).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,627/year (purchasing power: $83,667).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Redwood City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Redwood City grew 12.8% from $39.53/hr (2019) to $44.58/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.43/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 Redwood City 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 Redwood City
When examining the financial viability of part-time work for school counselors, the differences between full-time and part-time income become apparent. A counselor working 24 hours a week would take home a lower annual figure compared to full-time colleagues, but could still earn a solid income, particularly if they supplement their pay with per-diem roles or summer counseling opportunities. Per-diem school counselors can earn an enticing $150 to $400 per hour in high-cost living markets, reflecting the intense demand for specialized counseling services in private settings. However, a balance often needs to be struck between hourly pay and benefits; many counselors opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for comprehensive health insurance plans. Understanding the varied rates across different employer types in Redwood City—such as charter schools, non-profit organizations, and public school districts—can empower counselors to negotiate effectively for their desired positions, ensuring they maximize both their financial and professional satisfaction.
More salary data for Redwood City, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Redwood City in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Redwood City?
Are school counselors in Redwood City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Redwood City?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Redwood City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 Redwood City. 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 Redwood City 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