School Counselor Hourly Pay in Howell, NJ: $34.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Howell, NJ runs $34.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,668 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Howell's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,595 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Howell, NJ, school counselors can expect a median hourly pay of $34.93, which notably exceeds the national median of $30.93. This implies a solid earning potential not only for full-time positions but also for part-time and per-diem services commonly provided in schools. For example, part-time counselors working three days a week may find themselves engaged in a variety of responsibilities, including leading elementary classroom guidance lessons, conducting small group counseling in middle schools, or offering high school students individual counseling sessions. The hourly pay also ranges from $23.77 at the entry-level to $54.15 for the top earners in the field. It's essential to recognize that these hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data, making them a vital consideration for those evaluating their career paths in this profession.
About the Howell 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) | $23.77 | $190.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.07 | $216.59 |
| Median (P50) | $34.93 | $279.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.13 | $353.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.15 | $433.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Howell
Based on $34.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.93/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Howell, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,658 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,918. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Howell.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Howell
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,397.27 | $6,055 | $72,658 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $838.36 | $3,633 | $43,595 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $558.91 | $2,422 | $29,063 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Howell) | $34.93 |
| 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 Howell, NJ earn a median of $72,668 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.95% higher than the national median of $64,335.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.93/hr = $43,595/year (purchasing power: $37,843).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,658/year (purchasing power: $63,071).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Howell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Howell grew 12.8% from $30.35/hr (2019) to $34.23/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.65/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 Howell 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 Howell
For a school counselor working 24 hours a week (three days), the annual take-home pay reflects considerable variations depending on work arrangements and employer types. While those in K-12 public school districts might earn a steady hourly wage, per-diem school counselors, especially those providing college admissions consulting, can charge significantly more, ranging from $150 to $400 an hour. The different employer types in Howell also influence hourly pay rates, with charter schools, private institutions, and counseling roles in post-secondary education often offering varying compensation structures. Many school counselors may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, highlighting the trade-offs professionals often face. Additionally, understanding negotiation tactics specific to Howell's market can be advantageous; advocating for a higher hourly rate may be a viable option, particularly in light of the ongoing mental health funding expansions observed since the COVID-19 pandemic, which have spurred increased hiring across many districts.
More salary data for Howell, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Howell in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Howell?
Are school counselors in Howell paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Howell?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Howell?
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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 Howell. 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 Howell 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