School Counselor Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $35.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Chelmsford, MA runs $35.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,583 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,754 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, Massachusetts, school counselors earn a median hourly pay of $35.86, significantly above the national median of $30.93. This attractive hourly rate benefits both full-time and part-time professionals, creating a viable option for those seeking flexible work arrangements, such as part-time positions averaging three days a week. Those in this profession often engage in activities like classroom guidance lessons, small group counseling in middle schools, and individual sessions in high school settings. The hourly pay ranges from $26.15 for entry-level positions to $55.58 for the more experienced counselors, providing a clear pathway for growth based on experience and expertise. These figures, derived from estimated annual salaries, illustrate a competitive pay scale for counselors working in various educational environments in Chelmsford.
About the Chelmsford 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) | $26.15 | $209.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.06 | $232.51 |
| Median (P50) | $35.86 | $286.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.90 | $367.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.58 | $444.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $35.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.86/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $74,590 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,032. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,434.41 | $6,216 | $74,590 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $860.65 | $3,729 | $44,754 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $573.77 | $2,486 | $29,836 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Chelmsford) | $35.86 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $74,583 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.93% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,426.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.86/hr = $44,754/year (purchasing power: $41,248).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,590/year (purchasing power: $68,746).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Chelmsford grew 12.8% from $31.16/hr (2019) to $35.14/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.60/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
Part-time school counselors can see considerable differences in their annual income based on their working hours compared to full-time colleagues. If a school counselor works three days a week, translating to roughly 24 hours, they may earn a manageable yet significant income, while full-time roles often yield higher earnings due to extended hours. Per diem school counselor pay in Chelmsford presents another interesting dynamic, with rates ranging significantly for specialized roles, particularly in private settings where fees may reach between $150 to $400 per hour for services like college admissions consulting. Schools and school districts play a role in determining overall compensation; K-12 public districts generally follow the teacher step-and-lane pay structure while charter and private schools may offer varied rates. Counselors often weigh health benefits against hourly wages when considering job opportunities, as some may prefer a lower hourly rate for comprehensive health insurance coverage while others may opt for transient roles without benefits. Negotiating hourly rates specific to Chelmsford requires understanding these dynamics, prioritizing both immediate financial need and long-term career aspirations.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Chelmsford?
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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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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