School Counselor Hourly Pay in Riverside, CA: $46.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Riverside, CA runs $46.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,788 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Riverside's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.4, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,075 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Riverside, California, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $46.53 in 2026, significantly exceeding the national median of $30.93 per hour. This generous hourly wage provides an attractive option for professionals engaged in part-time positions or per-diem roles, which often include guiding elementary students in classroom settings, conducting small group sessions for middle schoolers, and providing one-on-one counseling in high school environments. With hourly earnings ranging from $23.63 for entry-level positions to $74.25 for experienced counselors, those working in various educational contexts—including K-12 public schools, charter institutions, and counseling resource rooms at colleges—are likely to find numerous opportunities that fit their career aspirations and schedules. Official estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflect both the demand for skilled counselors and the increased investment in student mental health resources.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.63 | $189.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.25 | $265.98 |
| Median (P50) | $46.53 | $372.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.77 | $502.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.25 | $594.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Riverside
Based on $46.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.53/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Riverside, CA can expect to earn approximately $96,792 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,842. With a cost-of-living index of 106.44 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Riverside.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Riverside
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,861.39 | $8,066 | $96,792 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,116.84 | $4,840 | $58,075 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $744.56 | $3,226 | $38,717 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Riverside) | $46.53 |
| 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 Riverside, CA earn a median of $96,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 50.44% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.10% above the California state average of $96,692.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.53/hr = $58,075/year (purchasing power: $54,561).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,792/year (purchasing power: $90,934).
CoL index: 106.442 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Riverside (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Riverside grew 6.5% from $42.81/hr (2019) to $45.60/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.49/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 Riverside 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 Riverside
Considering part-time opportunities, a school counselor working three days a week can still achieve significant yearly earnings—potentially bringing in around $54,655, while full-time counterparts may earn substantially more. Per diem school counselor pay in Riverside often varies widely; private college counselors in high-cost areas can charge between $150 and $400 an hour, making this a lucrative option for those willing to forfeit regular employment for flexibility. Furthermore, the hourly rates can differ depending on employer type, with K-12 public school districts employing school counselors on a step-and-lane pay structure similar to teachers. While some counselors opt for lower hourly wages to secure health benefits, others may prefer higher pay rates without benefits for a more independent lifestyle. Negotiating pay in Riverside often depends on highlighting unique qualifications or advocating for additional responsibilities within school settings to leverage competitive pay.
More salary data for Riverside, 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 Riverside. 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