School Counselor Hourly Pay in Augusta, GA: $30.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Augusta, GA runs $30.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,606 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Augusta's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.9, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,571 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Augusta, Georgia, school counselors earn a median hourly rate of $30.10, slightly below the national median of $30.93. This wage indicates a stable hourly income that can cater to various working arrangements, such as part-time positions typically found in elementary, middle, and high schools, affecting roles like classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, and individual sessions. The hourly pay range for school counselors in Augusta spans from $20.41 at the 10th percentile to $39.69 for the highest earners. This data, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections, provides insights into what both new entrants and seasoned professionals might expect in terms of compensation in the field of school counseling within the region.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.41 | $163.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.47 | $195.77 |
| Median (P50) | $30.10 | $240.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.77 | $310.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.69 | $317.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Augusta
Based on $30.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.10/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Augusta, GA can expect to earn approximately $62,618 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,126. With a cost-of-living index of 91.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Augusta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Augusta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.19 | $5,218 | $62,618 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.51 | $3,131 | $37,571 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.68 | $2,087 | $25,047 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Augusta) | $30.10 |
| 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 Augusta, GA earn a median of $62,606 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.69% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 6.50% above the Georgia state average of $58,785.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.10/hr = $37,571/year (purchasing power: $40,881).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,618/year (purchasing power: $68,135).
CoL index: 91.903 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+10.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Augusta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Augusta grew 5.8% from $27.87/hr (2019) to $29.50/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.72/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 Augusta 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 Augusta
For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week for a total of 24 hours can yield a significant annual income, though it often falls short of what full-time positions offer. Given the flexibility of part-time work, many school counselors find opportunities in per diem settings, where compensation can range dramatically; private college counselors, for instance, typically charge between $150 and $400 per hour for their services in higher-cost markets. Additionally, summer counseling roles may provide extra income ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, making it appealing for those looking to supplement their earnings. In Augusta, different employer types, including K-12 public schools, charter schools, and post-secondary institutions, influence pay scales, with K-12 settings generally operating under established step-and-lane pay structures similar to that of teachers. Some school counselors may opt for lower hourly wages with benefits, while others might prioritize higher pay without health insurance coverage. When negotiating hourly rates, being informed about regional averages and the specific demands of different job roles can be advantageous.
More salary data for Augusta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Augusta in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Augusta?
Are school counselors in Augusta paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Augusta?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Augusta?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Georgia
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 Augusta. 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