School Counselor Hourly Pay in Scarborough, ME: $28.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Scarborough, ME runs $28.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,915 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Scarborough's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,953 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Scarborough, ME, school counselors are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $28.81 in 2026, which trails the national median of $30.93. This earnings potential is particularly relevant for those considering part-time work; for instance, a counselor working three days a week would earn approximately $26,000 per year. The hourly range in the area indicates that entry-level positions start around $21.06 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $42.92 per hour. Such rates are particularly significant in educational environments, including elementary classroom guidance, middle school small group sessions, and high school individual counseling. Additionally, school counselors in Scarborough may engage in per-diem opportunities, elevating their earnings during peak periods of student need.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.06 | $168.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.32 | $194.55 |
| Median (P50) | $28.81 | $230.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.37 | $282.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.92 | $343.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scarborough
Based on $28.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.81/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scarborough, ME can expect to earn approximately $59,922 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,570. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scarborough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scarborough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,152.35 | $4,994 | $59,922 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.41 | $2,996 | $35,953 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.94 | $1,997 | $23,969 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Scarborough) | $28.81 |
| 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 Scarborough, ME earn a median of $59,915 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.87% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $62,804.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.81/hr = $35,953/year (purchasing power: $36,098).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,922/year (purchasing power: $60,163).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Scarborough grew 12.8% from $25.03/hr (2019) to $28.23/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.40/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 Scarborough 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 Scarborough
When assessing the financial implications of working part-time as a school counselor, a 24-hour work week yields considerably less than a full-time salary of approximately $59,915 annually. The reality for agency or per-diem counselors is more variable, with some providing college admissions consulting at rates between $150 and $400 per hour, significantly enhancing their income potential in high-cost-of-living areas. School counselors in Scarborough may find that differing employer types—such as public K-12 districts, charter schools, or private institutions—offer varying pay scales influenced by factors like benefits and job security. While the trade-off for lower hourly rates in public roles might include health benefits, many counselors seek higher hourly pay without benefits in other sectors. Negotiating rates effectively, particularly for those in the private sector or per-diem roles, is essential for maximizing earning potential in this dynamic landscape of school counselor hourly pay in Scarborough.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
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 Scarborough. 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 Scarborough 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