School Counselor Hourly Pay in Largo, FL: $27.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Largo, FL runs $27.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,117 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Largo's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,871 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Largo, Florida, the current school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $27.94 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $30.93. This difference highlights the regional variance in compensation, affecting not just full-time professionals but also part-time and per-diem workers. For example, those employed part-time, working just three days a week, could take home a modest income often dictated by the number of hours spent in settings ranging from elementary schools focusing on guidance lessons to high school counseling offices addressing individual student needs. With a typical hourly range for counselors going from $19.39 to $43.31, entry-level positions in Largo may offer diminished initial pay, but opportunities for higher compensation exist as one gains experience and expertise.
About the Largo Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.39 | $155.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.94 | $175.53 |
| Median (P50) | $27.94 | $223.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.57 | $284.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.31 | $346.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Largo
Based on $27.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.94/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Largo, FL can expect to earn approximately $58,118 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,530. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Largo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Largo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,117.65 | $4,843 | $58,118 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $670.59 | $2,906 | $34,871 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.06 | $1,937 | $23,247 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Largo) | $27.94 |
| 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 Largo, FL earn a median of $58,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.67% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.90% above the Florida state average of $57,599.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.94/hr = $34,871/year (purchasing power: $34,594).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,118/year (purchasing power: $57,657).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Largo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Largo grew 12.8% from $24.28/hr (2019) to $27.38/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.51/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 Largo 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 Largo
Considering the hourly pay structure, individuals working part-time, such as a school counselor who may work 24 hours a week, could potentially earn around $43,843 annually. This contrasts with a full-time school counselor's potential earnings, emphasizing the trade-offs between work hours and income stability, particularly within K-12 publics, charter schools, and private education environments. Notably, per diem school counselors may earn substantially more when working in specialized areas, with private college counseling fees ranging from $150 to $400 per hour. In Largo, the hourly rate can vary widely based on the employing institution, with public schools typically offering lower rates compared to private sectors, which might offer more lucrative positions with less job security. Some counselors opt for higher hourly pay without benefits, such as health insurance, making negotiations critical for those entering or transitioning within the field. Understanding the nuances of school counselor hourly pay in Largo, especially with the backdrop of increased mental health funding post-COVID, informs both new entrants and seasoned professionals as they navigate their careers.
More salary data for Largo, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Largo in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Largo?
Are school counselors in Largo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Largo?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Largo?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 Largo. 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 Largo 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