School Counselor Hourly Pay in Waterford, MI: $27.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Waterford, MI runs $27.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,498 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Waterford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,903 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waterford, MI, the school counselor hourly pay stands at a median of $27.17, noticeably lower than the national median of $30.93. This wage is indicative of the financial dynamics faced by school counselors, particularly those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For counselors operating in environments such as elementary schools, middle school group sessions, high school individual counseling, and college counseling settings, this rate translates into significant earnings, especially for those working three days a week. Entry-level counselors might earn around $19.57 per hour, while the highest earners in the field can make approximately $42.11 per hour, reflecting a wide array of responsibilities and expertise within the role. These hourly rates are extrapolated from annual salary data, providing a useful framework for understanding pay in the local context.
About the Waterford 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) | $19.57 | $156.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.87 | $174.95 |
| Median (P50) | $27.17 | $217.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.77 | $278.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.11 | $336.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterford
Based on $27.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.17/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterford, MI can expect to earn approximately $56,505 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,599. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,086.63 | $4,709 | $56,505 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $651.98 | $2,825 | $33,903 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.65 | $1,883 | $22,602 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Waterford) | $27.17 |
| 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 Waterford, MI earn a median of $56,498 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.18% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $57,887.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.17/hr = $33,903/year (purchasing power: $36,376).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,505/year (purchasing power: $60,627).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Waterford grew 12.8% from $23.60/hr (2019) to $26.62/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.72/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 Waterford 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 Waterford
Transitioning to more flexible work arrangements shows a different financial picture for school counselors. A professional working part-time, such as for 24 hours a week across three days, would typically take home around $31,000 annually, compared to a full-time position that could yield a substantially higher income. Per diem roles, particularly in the realm of college counseling, can command rates between $150 and $400 per hour in high-cost-of-living areas, illustrating the earning potential outside traditional employment structures. In Waterford, school counselors' hourly rates may vary significantly depending on their employer type—public K-12 schools, charter networks, private institutions, or even roles such as those in Department of Defense Education Activity schools overseas. While some may opt for positions with lower hourly wages for the benefits and security they provide, others may pursue higher-paying opportunities at the cost of such securities. Negotiating effectively for hourly roles, particularly with the backdrop of the 2.05% annual growth rate and the increased funding for mental health support post-COVID, is essential for maximizing earning potential in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Waterford, 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 Waterford. 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 Waterford 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