School Counselor Hourly Pay in Independence, KY: $31.14 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Independence, KY runs $31.14 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,759 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Independence's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,857 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Independence, Kentucky, the projected school counselor hourly pay in 2026 is $31.14, which slightly tops the national median of $30.93. This hourly wage is significant for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, as it allows for flexible schedules that can fit around other commitments, such as providing classroom guidance in elementary schools or offering individualized support in high school counseling offices. For school counselors in this city, the hourly compensation ranges from about $22.46 for entry-level positions to $48.26 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the varying experience levels and responsibilities. It's essential to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, indicating the expected earnings for this profession in the region.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.46 | $179.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.96 | $199.69 |
| Median (P50) | $31.14 | $249.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.80 | $318.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.26 | $386.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Independence
Based on $31.14/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.14/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Independence, KY can expect to earn approximately $64,762 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,363. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Independence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Independence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,245.42 | $5,397 | $64,762 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $747.25 | $3,238 | $38,857 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $498.17 | $2,159 | $25,905 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Independence) | $31.14 |
| 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 Independence, KY earn a median of $64,759 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.66% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $65,281.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.14/hr = $38,857/year (purchasing power: $43,513).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,762/year (purchasing power: $72,522).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.14/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.14/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Independence grew 12.8% from $27.05/hr (2019) to $30.51/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.77/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 Independence 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 Independence
Considering part-time work, a school counselor working three days a week typically puts in around 24 hours, bringing home a substantial income even if not full-time. In contrast, full-time counselors can expect to earn more, but opportunities for per-diem or agency positions can be lucrative, especially in private college counseling, where rates may reach anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour. This reality underscores the income potential for those willing to take on multiple roles, especially during the extended school year, where summer counseling might add an extra $5,000 to $15,000 to their earnings. Most school counselors in Independence work within K-12 public schools, charter schools, and private institutions, where the pay may differ, especially when factoring in benefits. Those prioritizing health insurance might opt for positions with lower hourly rates, while others might take higher-paying roles without benefits. For effective negotiations, emphasize the unique supply and demand dynamics in the region and the growing emphasis on mental health resources following the pandemic.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Independence in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Independence?
Are school counselors in Independence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Independence?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Independence?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Independence. 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 Independence 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