School Counselor Hourly Pay in Durango, CO: $28.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Durango, CO runs $28.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,700 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Durango's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,215 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Durango, Colorado, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $28.22, which falls short of the national median of $30.93. This hourly figure is essential for those considering part-time or per-diem positions in various educational settings, such as elementary classroom guidance lessons, middle school group counseling, and high school individual counseling offices. For professionals working three days a week, this translates to practical earnings that align with their schedules. The hourly pay range in Durango varies significantly, from approximately $22.17 for entry-level counselors to around $43.74 for those at the top of the pay spectrum. It's notable that these hourly estimates are derived from the annual salary data, reflecting potential earnings based on the full-time salary structure commonly seen in the K-12 education system.
About the Durango Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.17 | $177.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.82 | $190.55 |
| Median (P50) | $28.22 | $225.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.66 | $277.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.74 | $349.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durango
Based on $28.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.22/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durango, CO can expect to earn approximately $58,691 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,860. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Durango.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durango
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,128.67 | $4,891 | $58,691 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $677.20 | $2,935 | $35,215 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.47 | $1,956 | $23,476 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Durango) | $28.22 |
| 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 Durango, CO earn a median of $58,700 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.76% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 6.30% below the Colorado state average of $62,647.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.22/hr = $35,215/year (purchasing power: $33,538).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,691/year (purchasing power: $55,896).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Durango (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Durango grew 12.8% from $24.52/hr (2019) to $27.65/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.80/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 Durango 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 Durango
When examining the earning potential for part-time school counselors, those working a typical three-day week (approximately 24 hours) can expect to take home about $35,200 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For those exploring per-diem opportunities, the reality often shifts dramatically, as private college counselors may command rates between $150 and $400 per hour for specialized services—significantly higher than typical school counseling roles in Durango. The variability in hourly rates across different employer types can also impact earnings, with K-12 public schools generally offering structured pay that follows a step-and-lane model similar to teachers. In contrast, counselors in charter schools or those involved in post-secondary career counseling may experience different compensation structures. The choice between lower hourly pay with benefits versus higher rates without benefits is a common trade-off in the field. Counselors would benefit from negotiating effectively, considering their particular skill set and the specific needs of the institution to reach a satisfactory hourly agreement.
More salary data for Durango, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Durango in 2026?
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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 Durango. 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 Durango 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