School Counselor Hourly Pay in Jersey City, NJ: $37.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Jersey City, NJ runs $37.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,918 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Jersey City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,352 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jersey City, the compensation for school counselors features a favorable median hourly rate of $37.94, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $30.93. This discrepancy reflects the elevated cost of living in the area, suggesting an appealing market for both full-time and part-time positions in K-12 institutions. For those considering part-time work, such as 24 hours over three days a week, this hourly pay can provide a competitive income while allowing for flexible schedules. The hourly pay range in Jersey City extends from $24.82 at entry-level positions to $58.81 for the most experienced counselors, which is indicative of the wider salary variations created by factors such as education levels, years of experience, and specialization in roles ranging from elementary classroom counseling to high school college advising and crisis management.
About the Jersey City 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) | $24.82 | $198.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.98 | $231.86 |
| Median (P50) | $37.94 | $303.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.57 | $388.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.81 | $470.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jersey City
Based on $37.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.94/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jersey City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $78,920 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,531. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Jersey City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jersey City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,517.69 | $6,577 | $78,920 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.61 | $3,946 | $47,352 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.08 | $2,631 | $31,568 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Jersey City) | $37.94 |
| 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 Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $78,918 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.67% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 8.70% above the New Jersey state average of $72,602.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.94/hr = $47,352/year (purchasing power: $41,104).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,920/year (purchasing power: $68,507).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Jersey City grew 12.8% from $32.97/hr (2019) to $37.18/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.72/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 Jersey City 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 Jersey City
When analyzing the practical implications of school counselor hourly pay in Jersey City, significant distinctions arise between full-time and part-time roles. A part-time counselor working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $47,000 annually, while full-time counselors may command salaries significantly higher, especially given the traditional K-12 pay structures that often mirror teaching salaries. Moreover, the per diem school counselor pay in Jersey City can be lucrative for those moving into independent consulting or temporary roles, with private college counselors charging anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour for services in high-cost-of-living markets. Though some counselors may choose jobs with lower hourly rates for better job security and health benefits, the trade-offs often lead to discussions around negotiated hourly rates, especially in charter and private educational settings where budgets might vary. Understanding the nuances of different employer types allows school counselors in NJ to make informed career choices and optimize their financial prospects.
More salary data for Jersey City, 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 Jersey City. 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 Jersey City 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