School Counselor Hourly Pay in East Chicago, IN: $27.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in East Chicago, IN runs $27.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,311 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against East Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,788 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For school counselors in East Chicago, Indiana, the projected median hourly pay in 2026 is estimated at $27.07, notably lower than the national median of $30.93. This disparity may affect part-time school counselors who often work three days a week, taking on responsibilities in various educational settings, including elementary guidance lessons and high school counseling offices. Per-diem positions are also available, but usually at a higher rate than the typical hourly wage for employed counselors. The hourly rate can vary significantly depending on experience and qualifications, with a range from $19.73 for entry-level positions to $41.96 for counselors at the top of their fields. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, but they provide valuable insights into the earning potential for school counselors in the area.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.73 | $157.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.85 | $174.79 |
| Median (P50) | $27.07 | $216.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.66 | $277.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.96 | $335.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Chicago
Based on $27.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.07/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Chicago, IN can expect to earn approximately $56,314 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,489. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,082.95 | $4,693 | $56,314 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $649.77 | $2,816 | $33,788 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $433.18 | $1,877 | $22,525 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (East Chicago) | $27.07 |
| 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 East Chicago, IN earn a median of $56,311 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.47% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $58,354.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.07/hr = $33,788/year (purchasing power: $37,008).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,314/year (purchasing power: $61,680).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in East Chicago grew 12.8% from $23.52/hr (2019) to $26.53/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.63/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 East Chicago 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 East Chicago
Considering the earning potential, a school counselor working part-time for 24 hours a week would earn around $33,773 annually, in contrast to a full-time role that could yield significantly more. Many professionals in East Chicago might seek per-diem opportunities, particularly in private college counseling, where fees can range from $150 to $400 per hour. Extended school year counseling can provide additional income, potentially adding $5,000 to $15,000 to a full-time counselor’s base pay. Employment settings uniquely influence hourly compensation levels; positions in K-12 public schools generally offer more stability, while charter or private schools might provide alternative benefits that make lower compensation more appealing. When negotiating compensation, counselors should weigh the value of benefits such as health insurance against higher hourly rates without additional support, ensuring they select a pathway that aligns with their career goals in the counseling profession.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
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 East Chicago. 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 East Chicago 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