School Counselor Hourly Pay in Wellesley, MA: $35.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Wellesley, MA runs $35.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,540 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Wellesley's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,728 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wellesley, Massachusetts, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $35.84 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $30.93. This differential presents advantages for those considering part-time roles such as working three days a week, allowing for income around $28,589 annually, based on a 24-hour workweek. This is relevant for those who provide services like elementary classroom guidance, small group counseling in middle schools, or high school individual sessions. Per diem roles can offer flexibility, but emerging counselors must be aware that the hourly pay range extends from $26.25 to $55.55, offering various opportunities depending on experience, the counseling setting, and the specific responsibilities undertaken.
About the Wellesley 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) | $26.25 | $209.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.02 | $232.18 |
| Median (P50) | $35.84 | $286.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.87 | $366.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.55 | $444.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wellesley
Based on $35.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.84/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wellesley, MA can expect to earn approximately $74,547 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,008. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wellesley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wellesley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,433.60 | $6,212 | $74,547 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $860.16 | $3,727 | $44,728 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $573.44 | $2,485 | $29,819 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Wellesley) | $35.84 |
| 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 Wellesley, MA earn a median of $74,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.86% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 5.00% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,464.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.84/hr = $44,728/year (purchasing power: $41,224).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,547/year (purchasing power: $68,707).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Wellesley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Wellesley grew 12.8% from $31.14/hr (2019) to $35.12/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.57/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 Wellesley 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 Wellesley
For those contemplating part-time work, a school counselor employed three days a week can expect around $28,589 annually. In contrast, full-time school counselors might bring home significantly more. The per diem reality in Wellesley reflects a diverse earning landscape, with private college counselors charging between $150 to $400 per hour for direct consulting, a lucrative option compared to typical K-12 pay structures. Different employer types, including K-12 districts, charter schools, and private institutions, all present varied compensation. While some might accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others are willing to forgo such perks for higher hourly earnings. Counselors should also be prepared to negotiate their pay carefully, especially given the increased mental health funding in many districts post-COVID, which could enhance compensation for school counseling roles.
More salary data for Wellesley, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Wellesley in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Wellesley?
Are school counselors in Wellesley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Wellesley?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Wellesley?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Wellesley. 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 Wellesley 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