School Counselor Hourly Pay in Minnetonka, MN: $30.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Minnetonka, MN runs $30.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Minnetonka's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.15 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,297 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Minnetonka, Minnesota, school counselors can expect a median hourly rate of $30.69 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $30.93. This rate is particularly relevant for those working part-time—such as counselors in elementary classroom guidance or middle school small group settings—who may be on a 3-day work schedule. Those counseling within high school individual offices or college resource areas have the potential to earn within an hourly range from $20.27 (entry-level) to $47.57 (top earners). These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, showing a need for careful financial planning among counselors operating in various educational contexts.
About the Minnetonka 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) | $20.27 | $162.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.17 | $201.32 |
| Median (P50) | $30.69 | $245.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.28 | $314.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.57 | $380.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minnetonka
Based on $30.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.69/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minnetonka, MN can expect to earn approximately $63,828 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,824. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Minnetonka.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minnetonka
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.46 | $5,319 | $63,828 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.47 | $3,191 | $38,297 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.98 | $2,128 | $25,531 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Minnetonka) | $30.69 |
| 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 Minnetonka, MN earn a median of $63,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.78% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 1.20% below the Minnesota state average of $64,610.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.69/hr = $38,297/year (purchasing power: $38,880).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,828/year (purchasing power: $64,800).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Minnetonka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Minnetonka grew 12.8% from $26.66/hr (2019) to $30.07/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.32/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 Minnetonka 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 Minnetonka
Part-time school counselors working three days a week, or 24 hours, bring home a substantially lower income compared to their full-time counterparts, affecting long-term financial stability. For per-diem or agency roles, the pay structure changes significantly; independent consultants may charge anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour for opportunities like college admissions advising. Given the increasing demand for mental health support post-COVID, counselors engaged in summer programs can expect to earn an additional $5,000 to $15,000, depending on their placement. The hourly pay varies across different educational settings in Minnetonka, from K-12 public districts to private institutions and DoDEA schools. Some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which is a key consideration in an industry traditionally structured around a step-and-lane pay system. Negotiating effectively requires understanding these trade-offs and being clear on one's value, especially considering the current workforce dynamics and expanding funding for mental health resources in schools.
More salary data for Minnetonka, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Minnetonka in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Minnetonka?
Are school counselors in Minnetonka paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Minnetonka?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Minnetonka?
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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 Minnetonka. 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 Minnetonka 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