School Counselor Hourly Pay in Lansing, MI: $32.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Lansing, MI runs $32.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Lansing's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.0, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,971 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
School counselors in Lansing, Michigan, command a competitive median hourly pay of $32.83, surpassing the national median of $30.93. This higher hourly rate reflects the vital role these professionals play in K-12 education, where they are involved in activities such as classroom guidance lessons at the elementary level, small group counseling at middle schools, and individual counseling sessions at high schools. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this translates into earning significant pay while still allowing flexibility. The hourly range for counselors in this area stretches from $21.76 for entry-level positions up to $43.27 for the most experienced counselors, as per the official Bureau of Labor Statistics data projected for 2026. This variation in hourly income showcases the potential for financial growth within the profession, depending on experience and specific job functions.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.76 | $174.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.26 | $186.06 |
| Median (P50) | $32.83 | $262.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.37 | $322.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.27 | $346.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lansing
Based on $32.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.83/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lansing, MI can expect to earn approximately $68,285 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,395. With a cost-of-living index of 94.99 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lansing.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lansing
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,313.18 | $5,690 | $68,285 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $787.91 | $3,414 | $40,971 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $525.27 | $2,276 | $27,314 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Lansing) | $32.83 |
| 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 Lansing, MI earn a median of $68,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.14% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 17.90% above the Michigan state average of $57,918.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.83/hr = $40,971/year (purchasing power: $43,132).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,285/year (purchasing power: $71,886).
CoL index: 94.991 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Lansing (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Lansing grew 9.3% from $29.43/hr (2019) to $32.17/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.50/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 Lansing 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 Lansing
When considering the financial implications for part-time school counselors, those working a typical 24-hour week can expect an annual take-home pay that significantly contrasts with full-time counterparts. While full-time roles provide stable salaries and benefits, part-time positions can lead counselors to earn less overall despite the appealing flexibility. Additionally, in the realm of per diem school counselor pay in Lansing, private college counselors typically charge rates ranging from $150 to $400 per hour, making a stark contrast to their district-based peers. The pay differences across types of employers reflect various funding models, from K-12 public schools to private institutions. Those in public education may find benefits, such as health insurance, crucial, which can justify lower hourly rates; however, this often comes at the expense of higher immediate pay found in private or post-secondary roles. Navigating negotiations effectively is key for hourly workers in Lansing, especially in a market where understanding average compensation rates can provide leverage.
More salary data for Lansing, MI:
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 Lansing. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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