School Counselor Hourly Pay in Champaign, IL: $27.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Champaign, IL runs $27.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,235 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Champaign's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,934 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Champaign, Illinois, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to stand at $27.99 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $30.93. This disparity reflects the local economic conditions and employment dynamics, which can impact different work settings. For part-time professionals working three days a week, such as those engaged in classroom guidance, small group counseling, or individual student interactions, this hourly rate translates to a reasonable income but may result in limited earnings compared to full-time opportunities. The hourly range for school counselors in Champaign varies from $19.48 for entry-level positions to $38.73 for experienced professionals, according to the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. These figures illustrate the variability in compensation, which is important for current or aspiring counselors to understand as they plan their careers in schools, colleges, or community-based settings.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.48 | $155.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.21 | $209.65 |
| Median (P50) | $27.99 | $223.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.71 | $253.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.73 | $309.82 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Champaign
Based on $27.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.99/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Champaign, IL can expect to earn approximately $58,224 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,591. With a cost-of-living index of 92.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Champaign.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Champaign
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,119.69 | $4,852 | $58,224 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $671.82 | $2,911 | $34,934 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.88 | $1,941 | $23,290 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Champaign) | $27.99 |
| 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 Champaign, IL earn a median of $58,235 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.48% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.90% above the Illinois state average of $57,715.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.99/hr = $34,934/year (purchasing power: $37,684).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,224/year (purchasing power: $62,806).
CoL index: 92.704 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+19.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Champaign (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Champaign grew 14.4% from $23.97/hr (2019) to $27.43/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.57/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 Champaign 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 Champaign
The potential earnings for part-time school counselors can differ significantly from full-time counterparts. For instance, a counselor working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could expect to take home around $34,555 annually. In contrast, their full-time colleagues might earn significantly more, highlighting the challenge in achieving financial stability in part-time roles. Additionally, per diem school counselor pay in Champaign can vary widely, with some private college counselors charging anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour for consultation. This is a lucrative option, especially in high-cost living areas. However, counselors must navigate trade-offs between high hourly pay with no benefits and lower rates that might offer health insurance and job security in K-12 settings. With various employer types—ranging from public schools to private institutions—hourly rates can vary greatly. Negotiation strategies may involve highlighting unique qualifications or expressing interest in a full-time commitment for those seeking regular hours, ensuring that they secure compensation reflective of their professional skills and market value in the Champaign area.
More salary data for Champaign, IL:
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 Champaign. 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