School Counselor Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $31.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Salem, NH runs $31.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,608 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, New Hampshire, the school counselor hourly pay reaches a median rate of $31.74, notably above the national median of $30.93. This competitive wage supports various work arrangements, making it attractive for part-time counselors who may work three days a week, dedicating 24 hours to their role. Counselors working in settings like elementary schools, middle school counseling groups, or high school resource offices can earn between $21.99 and $49.20 per hour depending on their experience and specific job responsibilities. This hourly compensation structure, based on projected figures from 2025 BLS data, highlights the benefits of pursuing school counseling in a community that prioritizes mental health and guidance for students.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.99 | $175.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.81 | $198.47 |
| Median (P50) | $31.74 | $253.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.96 | $319.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.20 | $393.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $31.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.74/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $66,014 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,085. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,269.50 | $5,501 | $66,014 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.70 | $3,301 | $39,608 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.80 | $2,200 | $26,406 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Salem) | $31.74 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $66,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.62% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $67,642.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.74/hr = $39,608/year (purchasing power: $36,914).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,014/year (purchasing power: $61,523).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Salem grew 12.8% from $27.58/hr (2019) to $31.10/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.39/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 Salem 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 Salem
Shifting focus to part-time earnings, a school counselor in Salem, working 24 hours per week, can expect to take home approximately $37,635 yearly, providing a substantial income while balancing other commitments. For those considering per diem work, counselors in private college settings often charge rates ranging from $150 to $400 per hour, reflecting the higher-cost landscape in which they operate, especially for direct-pay college admissions consulting. It's important to note that hourly rates can significantly fluctuate depending on employment type; school districts, charter networks, and private institutions each have varied pay scales and benefit offerings. Some school counselors may choose lower hourly pay for full-time positions with benefits like health insurance, while others pursue higher-paying per diem roles, weighing financial independence against job security. When negotiating hourly pay in Salem, candidates should emphasize their qualifications, experience, and the pressing demand for mental health support, particularly in light of post-COVID funding expansions aimed at enhancing student services.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
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 Salem. 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 Salem 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