School Counselor Hourly Pay in Irvington, NJ: $34.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Irvington, NJ runs $34.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,386 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Irvington's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In the dynamic educational environment of Irvington, NJ, the school counselor hourly pay sits at a median rate of $34.80, which notably exceeds the national hourly median of $30.93. This robust compensation offers attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem school counselors. For someone working three days a week, providing essential services across various educational settings—such as conducting elementary classroom guidance lessons or facilitating high school individual counseling sessions—this hourly rate can translate into substantial earnings. Additionally, the hourly range for counselors in Irvington stretches from $23.43 at the entry-level to $53.94 for seasoned professionals, demonstrating the potential for significant financial growth within the field based on experience and specializations.
About the Irvington 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) | $23.43 | $187.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.14 | $225.08 |
| Median (P50) | $34.80 | $278.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.54 | $356.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.94 | $431.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Irvington
Based on $34.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.80/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Irvington, NJ can expect to earn approximately $72,382 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,759. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Irvington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Irvington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,391.96 | $6,032 | $72,382 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $835.18 | $3,619 | $43,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $556.78 | $2,413 | $28,953 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Irvington) | $34.80 |
| 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 Irvington, NJ earn a median of $72,386 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.51% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.30% below the New Jersey state average of $72,604.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.80/hr = $43,429/year (purchasing power: $37,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,382/year (purchasing power: $62,832).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Irvington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Irvington grew 12.8% from $30.24/hr (2019) to $34.10/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.51/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 Irvington 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 Irvington
When analyzing the overall earning potential in Irvington, part-time school counselors working an average of 24 hours a week could expect to take home around $43,206 annually, which is roughly half of what full-time counselors earn. Moreover, the reality of per diem work in this field varies significantly; while substitute coverage tends to be rare, private college counselors can command $150-$400 per hour for direct-pay consulting, especially in high-cost-of-living areas. School counselor hourly pay in Irvington differs across various employer types, with public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions offering different compensation packages that reflect the step-and-lane K-12 salary structure. Some school counselors might opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits, such as health insurance, while others prefer the flexibility of higher hourly rates without benefits. For those considering contract or part-time work, understanding the balance between rate negotiation and job security is essential for maximizing income potential.
More salary data for Irvington, 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 Irvington. 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 Irvington 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