School Counselor Hourly Pay in Austin, MN: $29.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Austin, MN runs $29.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,105 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Austin's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,666 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Austin, MN, can expect a median hourly pay of $29.38, slightly below the national median of $30.93. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a take-home that can support a modest lifestyle while engaging extensively in essential guidance lessons for elementary students, conducting small group sessions in middle schools, or providing individual counseling at the high school level. The hourly pay range in Austin spans from $20.30 for entry-level positions to $45.53 for experienced professionals, demonstrating a broad spectrum of earnings reflecting varying levels of experience and specialization. The estimated hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, ensuring that even per-diem school counselors working in various settings can gauge their potential earnings based on similar metrics.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.30 | $162.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.98 | $183.85 |
| Median (P50) | $29.38 | $235.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.00 | $296.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.53 | $364.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Austin
Based on $29.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.38/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Austin, MN can expect to earn approximately $61,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,256. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Austin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Austin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,175.21 | $5,093 | $61,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.12 | $3,056 | $36,666 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.08 | $2,037 | $24,444 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Austin) | $29.38 |
| 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 Austin, MN earn a median of $61,105 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.02% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $64,594.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.38/hr = $36,666/year (purchasing power: $37,225).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,111/year (purchasing power: $62,041).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Austin grew 12.8% from $25.53/hr (2019) to $28.79/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.98/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 Austin 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 Austin
Considering the financial implications of working as a school counselor in Austin, those who choose part-time positions—around 24 hours a week—will earn substantially less than their full-time counterparts. This translates into a much lower annual income compared to those working full-time while still fulfilling vital roles in academic settings. Moreover, the landscape for per diem school counselor pay in Austin reveals lucrative opportunities, especially in private sectors where skilled consultants can charge fees ranging from $150 to $400 per hour. Counselors also have the potential to earn additional income during the extended school year, which can add between $5,000 and $15,000 to their base pay. Employment settings differ dramatically, with K-12 public schools often offering lower hourly rates compared to private institutions or charter schools, where talent is fiercely sought after. The decision on whether to prioritize a higher hourly rate without benefits or a lower one with health insurance is crucial for many in the field. For those negotiating salaries, emphasizing certifications and specialization can provide leverage, particularly in light of expanding mental health funding post-COVID.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
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 Austin. 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 Austin 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