School Counselor Hourly Pay in Sandy Springs, GA: $33.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Sandy Springs, GA runs $33.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,060 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Sandy Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.1, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,442 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sandy Springs, Georgia, the projected median school counselor hourly rate for 2026 is $33.21, surpassing the national median of $30.93. This is particularly significant for those considering part-time opportunities, as working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can yield earnings of around $3,996 monthly, translating to about $47,952 annually. The range of hourly pay for school counselors in the area stretches from $22.58 for entry-level positions to a high of $51.46 for seasoned professionals. These figures reflect the diverse settings where counselors can operate, such as elementary school guidance lessons, middle school small group sessions, or high school individual counseling offices—environments critical for supporting student mental health and academic success.
About the Sandy Springs Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.58 | $180.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.83 | $206.63 |
| Median (P50) | $33.21 | $265.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.49 | $339.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.46 | $411.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sandy Springs
Based on $33.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.21/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sandy Springs, GA can expect to earn approximately $69,071 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,848. With a cost-of-living index of 93.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sandy Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sandy Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,328.28 | $5,756 | $69,071 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.97 | $3,454 | $41,442 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $531.31 | $2,302 | $27,628 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Sandy Springs) | $33.21 |
| 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 Sandy Springs, GA earn a median of $69,060 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.34% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 17.40% above the Georgia state average of $58,825.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.21/hr = $41,442/year (purchasing power: $44,514).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,071/year (purchasing power: $74,190).
CoL index: 93.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Sandy Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Sandy Springs grew 12.8% from $28.85/hr (2019) to $32.54/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.89/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 Sandy Springs 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 Sandy Springs
For those contemplating part-time roles in Sandy Springs, the financial reality can vary greatly between working a standard school schedule and seeking per-diem positions. Counselors that accept temporary roles may find themselves in high-demand scenarios, particularly in crisis response or specialized college counseling settings. While agency counselors may charge anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour for private consulting in higher-cost markets, traditional school employment often comes with comprehensive benefits. The decision to pursue a lower hourly rate versus higher pay without benefits depends on individual needs, especially regarding healthcare and job security. Counselors should consider bargaining strategies when discussing pay rates, particularly in K-12 settings or with charters, where funding can dictate salary structures. Understanding the local school districts' step-and-lane pay systems and current trends in funding due to the post-COVID mental health crisis will assist in making informed financial decisions about their roles in education.
More salary data for Sandy Springs, GA:
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 Sandy Springs. 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 Sandy Springs 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