School Counselor Hourly Pay in Edison, NJ: $34.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Edison, NJ runs $34.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,666 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Edison's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,996 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Edison, NJ, school counselors can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $34.45, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $30.93. This competitive rate reflects the growing importance of mental health and counseling services within educational settings. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to around $19,160 annually for approximately 24 hours of work each week. Per-diem positions also exist, providing flexibility for those looking to make an impact in various environments like elementary guidance lessons, middle school group counseling, or urgent crisis response situations. Entry-level school counselors may begin at an hourly rate of $23.87, while more experienced counselors can earn up to $53.40. Such rates show that there are ample opportunities for educators in Edison to find positions that fit both career aspirations and personal life.
About the Edison Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.87 | $190.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.10 | $216.84 |
| Median (P50) | $34.45 | $275.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.11 | $352.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.40 | $427.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edison
Based on $34.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.45/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edison, NJ can expect to earn approximately $71,660 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,342. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Edison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,378.08 | $5,972 | $71,660 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $826.85 | $3,583 | $42,996 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.23 | $2,389 | $28,664 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Edison) | $34.45 |
| 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 Edison, NJ earn a median of $71,666 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.40% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.30% below the New Jersey state average of $72,610.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.45/hr = $42,996/year (purchasing power: $37,323).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,660/year (purchasing power: $62,205).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Edison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Edison grew 12.8% from $29.93/hr (2019) to $33.76/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.16/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 Edison 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 Edison
Exploring part-time opportunities reveals that a school counselor working just three days a week will realize a much lower annual income compared to full-time counterparts, potentially limiting their ability to leverage extensive benefits. For those considering per diem roles, these professionals can earn between $150 and $400 per hour in private college settings, particularly lucrative for private counselors involved in college admissions consulting. Additionally, summer session positions can provide substantial extra income, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, offsetting lower base pay found in traditional K-12 institutions. The hourly pay varies significantly by employer type; public school districts often adhere to K-12 pay structures while private institutions might offer higher wages but fewer benefits. Counselors in Edison should assess their personal situations and consider negotiating for benefits like health insurance for lower hourly rates versus the flexibility of higher hourly wages in more transient positions.
More salary data for Edison, NJ:
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 Edison. 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 Edison 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