School Counselor Hourly Pay in Belton, MO: $25.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Belton, MO runs $25.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Belton's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,496 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Belton, Missouri, will earn a median hourly rate of $25.24, which falls short of the national median of $30.93. This disparity highlights the earning potential for part-time counselors who work approximately 24 hours a week, or three days, where annual earnings would average significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those accepting per-diem roles, such as in specific school settings or private colleges, rates can vary dramatically, emphasizing the higher hourly potential in positions requiring specialized service. School counselor hourly pay in Belton ranges from $18.06 for entry-level positions to $37.98 for the highest-paid professionals. These figures illustrate the financial landscape for those involved in school counseling in various educational environments in the region.
About the Belton Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.06 | $144.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.02 | $160.18 |
| Median (P50) | $25.24 | $201.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.30 | $250.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.98 | $303.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Belton
Based on $25.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.24/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Belton, MO can expect to earn approximately $52,493 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,284. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Belton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Belton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,009.48 | $4,374 | $52,493 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $605.69 | $2,625 | $31,496 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $403.79 | $1,750 | $20,997 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Belton) | $25.24 |
| 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 Belton, MO earn a median of $52,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.40% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 5.50% below the Missouri state average of $55,552.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.24/hr = $31,496/year (purchasing power: $35,151).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,493/year (purchasing power: $58,586).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Belton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Belton grew 12.8% from $21.93/hr (2019) to $24.73/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.75/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 Belton 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 Belton
Understanding the earning potential is crucial, especially for part-time counselors. A school counselor working 24 hours weekly could expect to take home approximately $31,593 annually, far less than those employed full-time and reaping the benefits of comprehensive salary packages. Per diem school counselors in Belton face different realities, where rates can soar up to $400 per hour in high-cost areas for unique consulting services, significantly increasing overall earnings. The hourly rates for school counselors across different educational institutions can drastically change depending on whether they work in public K-12 districts, private schools, or higher education. Some professionals may opt for lower pay within school systems for the benefits and job security, while others may prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits. When negotiating, counselors in Belton should consider factors beyond pay, such as health insurance, job satisfaction, and the school’s support for mental health initiatives, particularly post-COVID.
More salary data for Belton, MO:
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 Belton. 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 Belton 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