School Counselor Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $37.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Amherst, MA runs $37.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,749 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,651 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Amherst, Massachusetts, the school counselor hourly pay stands at an impressive $37.38, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $30.93. This robust hourly rate reflects the demand for school counselors in various settings, including elementary classrooms, middle school small group sessions, and high school counseling offices. For part-time counselors working three days a week, or in per-diem roles, this translates to meaningful earnings while balancing responsibilities outside of school. With an hourly range extending from $25.77 for entry-level positions to $57.93 for the top earners, opportunities exist to tailor work schedules based on personal availability and skill set. These hourly figures are estimations derived from annual salary data, providing insight into potential income streams for those considering careers in school counseling within the region.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.77 | $206.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.36 | $250.88 |
| Median (P50) | $37.38 | $299.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.92 | $375.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.93 | $463.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $37.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.38/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $77,752 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,857. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,495.24 | $6,479 | $77,752 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $897.14 | $3,888 | $46,651 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $598.09 | $2,592 | $31,101 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Amherst) | $37.38 |
| 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 Amherst, MA earn a median of $77,749 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.85% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,455.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.38/hr = $46,651/year (purchasing power: $42,997).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,752/year (purchasing power: $71,661).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Amherst grew 12.8% from $32.48/hr (2019) to $36.63/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.15/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 Amherst 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 Amherst
Part-time school counselors often find the balance between their work and personal lives appealing. For instance, working 24 hours a week typically yields an annual take-home of around $46,860, which may be significantly lower than the salary of full-time counselors but still offers flexibility. Many counselors engage in per diem roles, with private college counselors charging between $150 and $400 per hour for specialized admissions consulting, particularly in high-cost living areas. Seasonal roles, such as extended school year counseling, can augment overall earnings by an additional $5,000 to $15,000. Hourly rates can also differ based on the type of institution; public K-12 districts, private schools, and DoDEA schools often have varying benefits packages, which can inform a counselor’s decision to accept a lower hourly wage for comprehensive health insurance. For those negotiating in Amherst, emphasizing experience or specialized skills can enhance earning potential or find a balance that prioritizes both income and benefits.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Amherst in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Amherst?
Are school counselors in Amherst paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Amherst?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Amherst?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Amherst. 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 Amherst 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