School Counselor Hourly Pay in Gary, IN: $28.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Gary, IN runs $28.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,401 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Gary's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,036 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
School counselors in Gary, Indiana, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $28.07 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $30.93. This rate is important for those considering part-time or per diem opportunities within local educational settings. For example, a school counselor working three days a week could design their schedule around providing classroom guidance lessons, facilitating small group sessions, or offering one-on-one counseling in high school settings. Additionally, the hourly range varies significantly from $19.14 at the entry-level to $43.52 for top earners in this profession, reflecting the experience and qualifications that counselors may bring to their roles. Understanding these numbers can help prospective counselors gauge their earning potential, especially when considering how they can operate within the educational framework in Gary.
About the Gary 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) | $19.14 | $153.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.79 | $174.30 |
| Median (P50) | $28.07 | $224.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.48 | $283.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.52 | $348.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gary
Based on $28.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.07/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gary, IN can expect to earn approximately $58,394 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,689. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,122.96 | $4,866 | $58,394 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $673.77 | $2,920 | $35,036 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.18 | $1,946 | $23,358 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Gary) | $28.07 |
| 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 Gary, IN earn a median of $58,401 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.22% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.10% above the Indiana state average of $58,343.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.07/hr = $35,036/year (purchasing power: $38,375).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,394/year (purchasing power: $63,958).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Gary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Gary grew 12.8% from $24.39/hr (2019) to $27.51/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.65/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 Gary 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 Gary
Evaluating the financial prospects as a part-time school counselor in Gary, one might find that a typical 24-hour workweek translates to an annual take-home considerably less than that of full-time colleagues. The part-time salary potential may lead to varying annual figures, especially when juxtaposed with per diem and agency roles. Per diem school counselors could earn $150 to $400 per hour for private consulting, which provides alternatives for those seeking greater income without full-time commitments. Casual work during the summer months may also add an extra $5,000 to $15,000 to base earnings. Additionally, hourly rates differ based on employer types, whether in K-12 schools, charter institutions, or post-secondary programs. Some counselors may pursue lower hourly wages in exchange for employment benefits. For those negotiating rates, understanding the local market and being mindful of compensation packages can enhance opportunities for securing favorable positions within Gary's schools.
More salary data for Gary, 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 Gary. 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 Gary 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