School Counselor Hourly Pay in Long Branch, NJ: $34.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Long Branch, NJ runs $34.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,868 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Long Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Branch, NJ, the projected school counselor hourly pay for 2026 stands at $34.07, which significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $30.93. This means that school counselors in the area have an opportunity to earn competitive wages, especially for those who may work part-time or per-diem. For example, a counselor working three days a week could find themselves well-compensated for delivering essential support through classroom guidance lessons in elementary schools, facilitating small group counseling in middle schools, or providing individualized support in high school counseling offices. The hourly pay ranges from $23.63 at the lower end to $52.81 for those at the top of their field, reflecting the variation in experience and specialized skills required across different settings.
About the Long Branch 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) | $23.63 | $189.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.61 | $212.92 |
| Median (P50) | $34.07 | $272.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.61 | $348.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.81 | $422.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Branch
Based on $34.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.07/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Branch, NJ can expect to earn approximately $70,875 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,889. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,362.98 | $5,906 | $70,875 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $817.79 | $3,544 | $42,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $545.19 | $2,362 | $28,350 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Long Branch) | $34.07 |
| 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 Long Branch, NJ earn a median of $70,868 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.15% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $72,610.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.07/hr = $42,525/year (purchasing power: $36,914).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,875/year (purchasing power: $61,523).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Long Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Long Branch grew 12.8% from $29.61/hr (2019) to $33.39/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.77/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 Long Branch 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 Long Branch
Understanding the earning potential for part-time school counselors in Long Branch reveals nuanced income dynamics. A counselor working 24 hours a week could anticipate an annual income that is still substantial compared to their full-time colleagues, but the benefits landscape becomes complex. Additionally, per diem counselors or those in private practice may charge rates between $150 and $400 per hour within higher-cost-of-living markets, potentially allowing them to supplement base earnings significantly, especially if they engage in summer counseling programs. Hourly rates can fluctuate based on the type of school environment—public K-12 districts generally offer stability and benefits, while charter and private institutions may provide flexibility but less job security. Negotiating pay in this context often involves weighing the security and benefits of a full-time position against the higher hourly pays that come without typical employee benefits. Understanding these factors is crucial for school counselors navigating their potential career trajectories in Long Branch, NJ.
More salary data for Long Branch, 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 Long Branch. 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 Long Branch 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