School Counselor Hourly Pay in South Gate, CA: $45.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in South Gate, CA runs $45.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,283 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against South Gate's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,171 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Gate, California, the projected school counselor hourly pay for 2026 is positioned at $45.81, significantly above the national hourly median of $30.93. This rate provides substantial earning potential for professionals in various settings, including elementary classrooms, middle school group counseling, high school individual offices, and even college counseling environments. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this translates to meaningful income opportunities given the range of $33.50 at the entry-level to $71.01 for top earners in the region. These figures stem from annual salary estimates, allowing school counselors to effectively leverage their expertise across diverse educational landscapes in South Gate, while addressing the increasing mental health needs of students.
About the South Gate 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) | $33.50 | $268.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.39 | $291.13 |
| Median (P50) | $45.81 | $366.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.64 | $469.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.01 | $568.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Gate
Based on $45.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.81/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Gate, CA can expect to earn approximately $95,285 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,972. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Gate.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Gate
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,832.41 | $7,940 | $95,285 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,099.45 | $4,764 | $57,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $732.96 | $3,176 | $38,114 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (South Gate) | $45.81 |
| 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 South Gate, CA earn a median of $95,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 48.10% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.50% below the California state average of $96,734.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.81/hr = $57,171/year (purchasing power: $50,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,285/year (purchasing power: $84,249).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in South Gate (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in South Gate grew 12.8% from $39.80/hr (2019) to $44.89/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.75/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 South Gate 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 South Gate
For those considering part-time roles, working 24 hours weekly translates to a significant annual take-home, which would be lower than full-time counterparts but still impactful, especially given the recent emphasis on mental health funding. Per diem positions often attract counselors due to the flexibility they offer, with rates ranging from $150 to $400 for private consulting in higher-cost living environments, adding to potential earnings. In South Gate, hourly rates may fluctuate across different types of educational institutions, such as K-12 public districts, charter schools, and private schools. While some counselors may opt for roles with lower hourly rates due to benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly pay without these perks. Those negotiating their compensation in this field should be equipped to discuss the distinct advantages of their experience and the emerging needs within their communities as they pursue optimal positions.
More salary data for South Gate, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in South Gate in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in South Gate?
Are school counselors in South Gate paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in South Gate?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in South Gate?
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 South Gate. 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 South Gate 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