School Counselor Hourly Pay in Brookline, MA: $36.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Brookline, MA runs $36.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,102 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Brookline's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,658 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookline, Massachusetts, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $36.58 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $30.93. This competitive rate reflects the area’s cost of living and demand for mental health services in schools, particularly in light of the post-COVID expansion of counseling roles. For part-time counselors, such as those working three days a week, this hourly pay translates to a consistent income while providing vital support in various educational settings—from elementary guidance lessons to high school counseling offices. A school counselor in Brookline can expect to see hourly rates ranging from $26.01 at entry-level positions to $56.71 for seasoned professionals, indicating a favorable pay scale for experienced counselors compared to new entrants into the field.
About the Brookline 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) | $26.01 | $208.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.20 | $233.57 |
| Median (P50) | $36.58 | $292.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.83 | $374.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.71 | $453.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brookline
Based on $36.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.58/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brookline, MA can expect to earn approximately $76,097 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,902. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Brookline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brookline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,463.40 | $6,341 | $76,097 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $878.04 | $3,805 | $45,658 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $585.36 | $2,537 | $30,439 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Brookline) | $36.58 |
| 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 Brookline, MA earn a median of $76,102 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.29% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,455.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.58/hr = $45,658/year (purchasing power: $42,081).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,097/year (purchasing power: $70,135).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Brookline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Brookline grew 12.8% from $31.79/hr (2019) to $35.85/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.33/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 Brookline 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 Brookline
Exploring the earning potential for part-time school counselors reveals substantial financial implications. A counselor working 24 hours per week may earn approximately $45,807 annually, which is a viable income compared to full-time positions that offer benefits. The per diem landscape for school counselors can be lucrative as well, with private college counselors charging between $150 to $400 hourly for specialized services such as college admissions consulting. School counselors employed in public K-12 settings may earn less than their counterparts in private institutions or higher education roles, largely due to the structured pay scales. Many counselors often balance lower hourly rates with the assurance of health insurance and benefits that are typically unavailable to independent contractors. As such, they must navigate compensation options carefully; those pursuing part-time roles should consider their long-term financial and professional goals when determining their course of action in Brookline.
More salary data for Brookline, MA:
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 Brookline. 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 Brookline 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