School Counselor Hourly Pay in Salem, MA: $36.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Salem, MA runs $36.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,600 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,365 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Massachusetts, the school counselor hourly pay stands at a competitive $36.35, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93. This elevated rate suggests that even part-time counselors, who typically work around 24 hours a week, can earn a considerable income while providing essential support in various educational environments, from elementary classrooms to high school career resource centers. For those on a per-diem basis, the hourly rate opens opportunities for flexible work arrangements, with rates often reflecting the critical nature of their role in addressing students' mental health and academic guidance needs. With hourly figures ranging from $27.42 for entry-level roles to $56.33 for top earners, the potential for growth within the profession is notable, reflecting both experience and educational qualifications.
About the Salem 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) | $27.42 | $219.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.05 | $240.43 |
| Median (P50) | $36.35 | $290.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.22 | $361.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.33 | $450.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $36.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.35/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, MA can expect to earn approximately $75,608 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,620. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,454.01 | $6,301 | $75,608 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $872.41 | $3,780 | $45,365 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $581.60 | $2,520 | $30,243 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Salem) | $36.35 |
| 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 Salem, MA earn a median of $75,600 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.51% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 3.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,423.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.35/hr = $45,365/year (purchasing power: $41,811).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,608/year (purchasing power: $69,685).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.21/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Salem grew 12.8% from $31.58/hr (2019) to $35.62/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.10/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 Salem 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 Salem
When considering part-time work as a school counselor in Salem, those committing to a 3-day work schedule could expect to take home approximately $46,900 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. Per diem work presents a unique earning landscape, where private college counselors can charge between $150 and $400 per hour, clearly illustrating disparities in pay between different employment types. School counselors find their hourly rates fluctuating based on the institution—public, charter, or private institutions may employ various pay scales. While some counselors might opt for lower-paying roles in exchange for health benefits, others pursue opportunities with higher hourly rates but lacking in safety nets. For those negotiating their salary, local knowledge about these pay structures and the ongoing mental health funding expansion post-COVID can be powerful tools in securing favorable terms, particularly in a competitive job market like Salem, MA.
More salary data for Salem, 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 Salem. 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 Salem 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