School Counselor Hourly Pay in Slidell, LA: $29.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Slidell, LA runs $29.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,276 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Slidell's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,768 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the school counselor hourly pay in Slidell, Louisiana is projected to be approximately $29.46, which is slightly lower than the national median of $30.93. This hourly rate offers a viable income for school counselors, particularly those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For example, a school counselor operating on a 3-day workweek (about 24 hours) can still make a significant contribution in various educational settings, from elementary school guidance lessons to high school individual counseling offices. The hourly wage range varies widely in Slidell, starting from $19.18 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $35.57 for top earners. These figures are based on the latest official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, highlighting the differences in potential earnings within this profession.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.18 | $153.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.76 | $174.06 |
| Median (P50) | $29.46 | $235.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.92 | $247.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.57 | $284.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Slidell
Based on $29.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.46/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Slidell, LA can expect to earn approximately $61,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,354. With a cost-of-living index of 92.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Slidell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Slidell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,178.47 | $5,107 | $61,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.08 | $3,064 | $36,768 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.39 | $2,043 | $24,512 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Slidell) | $29.46 |
| 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 Slidell, LA earn a median of $61,276 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.75% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.70% above the Louisiana state average of $60,850.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.46/hr = $36,768/year (purchasing power: $39,653).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,281/year (purchasing power: $66,088).
CoL index: 92.726 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Slidell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Slidell grew 12.8% from $25.60/hr (2019) to $28.87/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.07/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 Slidell 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 Slidell
For those considering a part-time role, the financial implications can be quite different compared to full-time positions. A counselor working three days a week may take home around $43,500 annually, substantially less than a full-time salary would yield. The per-diem school counselor pay in Slidell varies considerably, reflecting the demands of the market; for example, private college counselors in higher cost-of-living areas can charge between $150 to $400 per hour. In Slidell, hourly compensation can depend on the employer type, whether it is a K-12 public school district, charter school, private institution, or post-secondary career counseling role. Those seeking benefits may accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for health insurance, while others may opt for higher hourly rates without additional perks. In negotiations, emphasizing unique skills or experience can be advantageous, particularly as mental health counseling has gained priority funding in post-COVID educational settings, which may impact the school counselor hourly rate in LA positively.
More salary data for Slidell, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Slidell in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Slidell?
Are school counselors in Slidell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Slidell?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Slidell?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Slidell. 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, 2-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