School Counselor Hourly Pay in Wheaton, MD: $33.13 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Wheaton, MD runs $33.13 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,903 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,341 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Maryland, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to reach a median figure of $33.13 by 2026. This rate is notably higher than the national hourly median of $30.93, indicating that school counselors in the area can expect more competitive compensation for their expertise. For part-time counselors working three days a week, this translates to approximately $26,000 annually if maintaining a 24-hour work week, reflecting the financial viability of counseling roles across various educational settings—whether providing guidance in elementary classroom lessons, small group sessions in middle schools, or focused individual counseling in high schools. The hourly pay range for school counselors in Wheaton varies significantly, from $22.50 for entry-level positions to $51.34 for those at the top of their field, revealing a spectrum of earning potential that is especially relevant for those in per-diem roles or seeking temporary work.
About the Wheaton 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) | $22.50 | $180.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.65 | $205.16 |
| Median (P50) | $33.13 | $265.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.40 | $339.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.34 | $410.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $33.13/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.13/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, MD can expect to earn approximately $68,901 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,751. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,325.02 | $5,742 | $68,901 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $795.01 | $3,445 | $41,341 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.01 | $2,297 | $27,560 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Wheaton) | $33.13 |
| 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 Wheaton, MD earn a median of $68,903 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.10% higher than the national median of $64,335.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.13/hr = $41,341/year (purchasing power: $37,823).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,901/year (purchasing power: $63,038).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.13/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.13/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Wheaton grew 12.8% from $28.78/hr (2019) to $32.46/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.80/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Part-time counselors in Wheaton may find that working a three-day schedule results in a significantly lower take-home income compared to full-time positions, which typically offer more stability and benefits. The per diem school counselor pay in Wheaton can vary widely; while substitute counseling is rare, private college counselors may charge between $150 and $400 per hour in high cost of living markets for direct-pay services. Additionally, engaging in extended summer counseling can boost annual income by $5,000 to $15,000, underscoring how different employment types impact earnings. School counselors in K-12 public districts often follow a step-and-lane pay structure similar to teachers, while those in private and charter settings, as well as post-secondary roles, may have different compensation models. For counselors negotiating their hourly rates, understanding the benefits trade-off is essential; some may choose lower pay for job security and health benefits, while others might prioritize immediate higher hourly wages without such provisions. Practical tips for negotiating could include researching comparable pay in the region and emphasizing unique qualifications or experiences that enhance value.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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