School Counselor Hourly Pay in Sterling Heights, MI: $28.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Sterling Heights, MI runs $28.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,107 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Sterling Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,469 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling Heights, MI, school counselors are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $28.42 in 2026. This figure is notably below the national median of $30.93, reflecting regional economic conditions and cost trends. For those in the profession working part-time, say three days a week, this rate translates into a viable income, particularly in settings such as elementary schools and community colleges. For entry-level counselors, hourly pay starts at around $18.97, while more experienced counselors can earn up to $44.04 per hour. Given the diverse range of environments, including K-12 institutions and private colleges, this pay structure may appeal to those looking for flexible work arrangements, including per-diem roles that fit their career goals and lifestyle preferences.
About the Sterling Heights Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.97 | $151.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.82 | $174.55 |
| Median (P50) | $28.42 | $227.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.21 | $289.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.04 | $352.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sterling Heights
Based on $28.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.42/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sterling Heights, MI can expect to earn approximately $59,116 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,105. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sterling Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sterling Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,136.84 | $4,926 | $59,116 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $682.10 | $2,956 | $35,469 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.73 | $1,971 | $23,646 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Sterling Heights) | $28.42 |
| 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 Sterling Heights, MI earn a median of $59,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.13% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.10% above the Michigan state average of $57,892.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.42/hr = $35,469/year (purchasing power: $38,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,116/year (purchasing power: $63,429).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Sterling Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Sterling Heights grew 12.8% from $24.69/hr (2019) to $27.85/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.00/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 Sterling Heights 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 Sterling Heights
Exploring the financial landscape further, part-time school counselors working 24 hours a week could expect to take home roughly $40,000 annually, highlighting a substantial difference when compared to full-time counterparts. In terms of per-diem work, immediate placement opportunities are rare in public settings, but private counseling services can charge rates ranging from $150 to $400 per hour for direct college admissions consulting, reflecting a much higher earning potential. Typically, pay rates vary across different employer types in Sterling Heights; K-12 public schools generally follow a step-and-lane structure akin to teachers, while charter and private schools may offer different negotiation parameters. For those seeking more significant financial benefits, however, the trade-off often lies in accepting lower hourly wages for the stability that health benefits provide. Counselors negotiating hourly rates should consider both their market value and the benefits package to make informed career decisions that align with their financial needs and professional aspirations.
More salary data for Sterling Heights, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Sterling Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Sterling Heights?
Are school counselors in Sterling Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Sterling Heights?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Sterling Heights?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Sterling Heights. 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 Sterling Heights 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