School Counselor Hourly Pay in Stamford, CT: $36.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Stamford, CT runs $36.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Stamford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,391 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stamford, Connecticut, the projected school counselor hourly pay in 2026 stands at $36.37, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93 per hour. This robust rate reflects the area's higher cost of living, estimated at 107.9 against the national average. For part-time counselors working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this hourly wage can result in a substantial income, particularly beneficial for those navigating roles in elementary classroom guidance, middle school group counseling, or high school counseling offices. The hourly pay range for school counselors in Stamford spans from $25.72 for entry-level positions to $56.38 for experienced professionals. It's essential to note that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections, highlighting the financial potential within various educational settings in the area.
About the Stamford Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.72 | $205.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.03 | $232.27 |
| Median (P50) | $36.37 | $290.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.56 | $372.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.38 | $451.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stamford
Based on $36.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.37/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stamford, CT can expect to earn approximately $75,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,645. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stamford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stamford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,454.82 | $6,304 | $75,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.89 | $3,783 | $45,391 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.93 | $2,522 | $30,260 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Stamford) | $36.37 |
| 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 Stamford, CT earn a median of $75,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.60% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.40% above the Connecticut state average of $73,886.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.37/hr = $45,391/year (purchasing power: $42,067).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,651/year (purchasing power: $70,112).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Stamford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Stamford grew 12.8% from $31.60/hr (2019) to $35.64/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.12/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 Stamford 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 Stamford
For school counselors in Stamford, part-time work presents unique financial landscapes. A counselor working three days a week would earn approximately $46,593 annually, offering a reasonable income, though less than full-time professionals. Per diem opportunities often emerge, where private college counselors can command pay rates between $150 and $400 per hour, especially for specialized college admissions consulting in high-cost areas. School counselors' hourly rates also vary based on their employer type; for instance, those in K-12 public schools may earn more stable wages compared to private and parochial institutions, which often allow for more flexibility in hours. The choice between a standard hourly wage with benefits or a higher rate without health insurance further complicates decisions for many counselors. Practical negotiation tips for hourly workers in Stamford include researching salary trends and emphasizing unique qualifications, thus ensuring they secure fair compensation for their expertise in this demanding field.
More salary data for Stamford, CT:
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 Stamford. 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 Stamford 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