School Counselor Hourly Pay in Fall River, MA: $37.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Fall River, MA runs $37.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,457 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Fall River's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,473 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fall River, the school counselor hourly pay stands at $37.24, which is significantly higher than the national median of $30.93. This robust hourly rate is essential for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, especially since many counselors operate in settings such as elementary classroom guidance lessons, middle school small group counseling, high school counseling offices, and even college admission resource rooms. With an hourly range extending from $27.48 at the entry level to $57.72 for the most experienced professionals, school counselors in Fall River can find lucrative opportunities. While these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they reflect a favorable environment for school counselors in the city.
About the Fall River 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) | $27.48 | $219.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.49 | $243.94 |
| Median (P50) | $37.24 | $297.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.67 | $381.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.72 | $461.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fall River
Based on $37.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.24/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fall River, MA can expect to earn approximately $77,455 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,686. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fall River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fall River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,489.52 | $6,455 | $77,455 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $893.71 | $3,873 | $46,473 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.81 | $2,582 | $30,982 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Fall River) | $37.24 |
| 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 Fall River, MA earn a median of $77,457 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.40% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,477.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.24/hr = $46,473/year (purchasing power: $42,832).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,455/year (purchasing power: $71,387).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Fall River grew 12.8% from $32.35/hr (2019) to $36.49/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.00/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 Fall River 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 Fall River
Examining part-time work reveals that a school counselor working three days a week at 24 hours could expect to earn approximately $46,779 annually, compared to full-time counterparts who may earn around $77,457 each year. In the realm of per-diem work, many private college counselors charge $150 to $400 per hour, indicating a stark contrast in earnings potential for those willing to explore different work arrangements. School counselors in K-12 environments, such as public school districts and charter networks, may follow a more traditional step-and-lane pay structure, while those in private or post-secondary settings might enjoy greater flexibility but less job security. Some professionals may opt for lower hourly rates accompanied by health insurance benefits, while others may seek higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating their compensation in Fall River, emphasizing experience, unique qualifications, and the demand for school counseling services may strengthen their case.
More salary data for Fall River, 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 Fall River. 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 Fall River 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