School Counselor Hourly Pay in Holyoke, MA: $36.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Holyoke, MA runs $36.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,647 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Holyoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,989 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Holyoke, Massachusetts, the school counselor hourly pay stands at $36.85, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93. This means that part-time counselors working three days a week, roughly 24 hours, can earn a competitive wage while engaging in a variety of roles, from leading guidance lessons in elementary schools to providing individual counseling in high school settings. The hourly range for school counselors in Holyoke varies, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $25.63 and experienced professionals earning up to $57.12. This hourly compensation reflects the growing recognition of school counselors in the educational system, particularly given the increased funding for mental health initiatives post-COVID and the ongoing need for support in a climate of inflated counselor-to-student ratios.
About the Holyoke 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) | $25.63 | $205.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.84 | $230.71 |
| Median (P50) | $36.85 | $294.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.17 | $377.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.12 | $456.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Holyoke
Based on $36.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.85/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Holyoke, MA can expect to earn approximately $76,649 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,220. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Holyoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Holyoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,474.01 | $6,387 | $76,649 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $884.41 | $3,832 | $45,989 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $589.60 | $2,555 | $30,659 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Holyoke) | $36.85 |
| 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 Holyoke, MA earn a median of $76,647 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.14% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,451.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.85/hr = $45,989/year (purchasing power: $42,386).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,649/year (purchasing power: $70,644).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Holyoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Holyoke grew 12.8% from $32.02/hr (2019) to $36.11/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.61/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 Holyoke 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 Holyoke
Many school counselors in Holyoke might find the decision to work part-time appealing, especially considering a 3-day workweek could yield an annual take-home around $43,584, substantially less than their full-time counterparts. For those pursuing per diem opportunities, the per diem school counselor pay in Holyoke is noteworthy; while coverage for substitute roles is limited, independent college counseling roles can command fees between $150 and $400 per hour, depending on specialization and demand. Hourly pay varies across different educational settings, with public school districts typically offering structured wage scales similar to teachers while charter and private schools may provide less predictable compensation but include potential benefits. Counselors may need to balance their desire for higher hourly wages against the security of healthcare benefits often tied to full-time positions. It's essential for professionals in this field to negotiate effectively, ensuring they advocate for competitive rates whether they are securing a full-time position or pursuing independent consulting opportunities.
More salary data for Holyoke, 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 Holyoke. 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 Holyoke 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