School Counselor Hourly Pay in Columbus, NE: $25.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Columbus, NE runs $25.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,870 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,324 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Nebraska, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to reach $25.90 in 2026. This figure sits notably lower than the national hourly median of $30.93, indicating a gap that may affect local counseling professionals. For those considering part-time positions, this rate translates to a manageable income structure based on a three-day workweek. For instance, a counselor working approximately 24 hours each week would earn around $1,170 per month. The hourly range for the role in Columbus can vary significantly, from entry-level positions starting at $20.20 to more experienced counselors earning up to $40.15 hourly. It's essential to keep in mind that these estimates are drawn from annual salary data, reflecting the financial context for school counselors operating within elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as in post-secondary settings.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.20 | $161.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.76 | $174.06 |
| Median (P50) | $25.90 | $207.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.75 | $253.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.15 | $321.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $25.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.90/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, NE can expect to earn approximately $53,873 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,080. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,036.01 | $4,489 | $53,873 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $621.61 | $2,694 | $32,324 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.40 | $1,796 | $21,549 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Columbus) | $25.90 |
| 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 Columbus, NE earn a median of $53,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.27% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 6.60% below the Nebraska state average of $57,677.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.90/hr = $32,324/year (purchasing power: $35,326).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,873/year (purchasing power: $58,877).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Columbus grew 12.8% from $22.50/hr (2019) to $25.38/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.43/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
Focusing on the practicality of part-time work, a counselor in Columbus who typically works three days a week may take home approximately $14,040 annually, while full-time employees can earn around $53,870 per year. The per-diem reality is quite different; private college counselors in high-cost-of-living markets can charge fees ranging from $150 to $400 per hour, significantly increasing earnings for those who are flexible and willing to work independently. Various employer types in Columbus, including K-12 public districts, charter schools, and private institutions, offer differing hourly rates. Though lower hourly pay might appeal to those seeking health benefits, higher rates without benefits may attract experienced counselors willing to trade off security for more immediate income. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding local hiring trends and the demand for mental health professionals, especially following the post-COVID funding influx, can provide a critical edge.
More salary data for Columbus, NE:
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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