School Counselor Hourly Pay in Frederick, MD: $32.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Frederick, MD runs $32.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,418 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Frederick's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,449 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Frederick, Maryland, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $32.41 in 2026, surpassing the national average hourly rate of $30.93. This competitive wage allows for potentially favorable arrangements for those working part-time or per-diem, making it feasible for counselors to engage in various roles such as classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling, or high school crisis response coordination. With an hourly range extending from $23.48 for entry-level positions to $50.24 for experienced professionals, the financial landscape for school counselors in Frederick offers a variety of income possibilities depending on experience and specific job functions.
About the Frederick Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.48 | $187.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.20 | $209.57 |
| Median (P50) | $32.41 | $259.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.48 | $331.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.24 | $401.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frederick
Based on $32.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.41/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frederick, MD can expect to earn approximately $67,415 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,893. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Frederick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frederick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,296.44 | $5,618 | $67,415 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.87 | $3,371 | $40,449 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.58 | $2,247 | $26,966 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Frederick) | $32.41 |
| 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 Frederick, MD earn a median of $67,418 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.79% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $68,935.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.41/hr = $40,449/year (purchasing power: $37,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,415/year (purchasing power: $61,679).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Frederick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Frederick grew 12.8% from $28.16/hr (2019) to $31.76/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.08/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 Frederick 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 Frederick
The economic dynamics for school counselors working part-time at three days a week for 24 hours can reflect significant differences in their annual income compared to full-time counterparts. Part-time counselors may earn around $39,099 annually, in contrast to a full-time position earning significantly more. Furthermore, those seeking flexible arrangements, such as per diem or agency roles, may command $150–$400 per hour in specialized settings like private college counseling. Responsibilities can vary among different types of employers in Frederick, including K-12 schools, charter networks, or even post-secondary institutions, each with their own pay structures. Opting for benefits such as health insurance often comes at the cost of a lower hourly rate, presenting a decision-making conundrum for many professionals. For optimal compensation, school counselors should be well-prepared to negotiate their rates, underscoring the value of their expertise in addressing mental health needs amidst the ongoing support for post-COVID recovery initiatives in schools.
More salary data for Frederick, MD:
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 Frederick. 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 Frederick 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