School Counselor Hourly Pay in Waltham, MA: $36.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Waltham, MA runs $36.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,351 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Waltham's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,811 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waltham, Massachusetts, school counselors can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $36.71, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93. This competitive rate reflects not only the local demand for qualified counselors but also the increased emphasis on mental health support following the pandemic. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a robust earning potential that can supplement their income through various roles in schools, such as providing guidance lessons in elementary classrooms or offering individual counseling in high school settings. Those in entry-level positions may start at an hourly rate of around $26.29, while experienced counselors can earn as much as $56.89, showcasing the breadth of opportunity within the profession.
About the Waltham 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) | $26.29 | $210.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.43 | $235.45 |
| Median (P50) | $36.71 | $293.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.98 | $375.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.89 | $455.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waltham
Based on $36.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.71/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waltham, MA can expect to earn approximately $76,351 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,049. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waltham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waltham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,468.30 | $6,363 | $76,351 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $880.98 | $3,818 | $45,811 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.32 | $2,545 | $30,541 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Waltham) | $36.71 |
| 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 Waltham, MA earn a median of $76,351 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.68% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.70% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,469.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.71/hr = $45,811/year (purchasing power: $42,222).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,351/year (purchasing power: $70,370).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Waltham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Waltham grew 12.8% from $31.89/hr (2019) to $35.97/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.46/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 Waltham 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 Waltham
Part-time school counselors in Waltham who work a typical schedule of 24 hours per week can anticipate an annual take-home income that offers a balanced lifestyle, particularly when considering benefits. In contrast, full-time positions may provide added financial stability through structured salary increases. For per diem counselors, particularly those engaged in private college admissions consulting, the pay ranges between $150 and $400 an hour. These roles often draw on extensive experience and specialized knowledge. It's also essential to understand that hourly pay can vary significantly based on workplace type—public K-12 districts often follow a step-and-lane structure similar to teachers, while private institutions or DoDEA schools may offer differing compensation models. Those entering negotiations should weigh their desire for health benefits against potentially higher hourly rates without them, ensuring they find a balance that fits their professional needs and lifestyle.
More salary data for Waltham, 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 Waltham. 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 Waltham 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