School Counselor Hourly Pay in Perth Amboy, NJ: $34.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Perth Amboy, NJ runs $34.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,143 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Perth Amboy's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,691 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
An enticing opportunity awaits school counselors in Perth Amboy, NJ, where the median hourly pay stands at $34.21. This figure exceeds the national hourly median of $30.93, making Perth Amboy a competitive market for this crucial profession. For part-time counselors working three days a week, this translates into a viable income for those providing guidance in elementary classrooms, facilitating middle school small-group sessions, or offering high school individual counseling. Additionally, per-diem counselors, who may fill in during times of need, often benefit from the flexibility offered by various educational settings, which can range from K-12 schools to college counseling resource centers. For school counselors at the lower end of the spectrum, hourly pay begins at approximately $24.85, while top earners can reach $53.01. These hourly rates are projected from annual salary data, showcasing a robust environment for current and aspiring school counselors in the region.
About the Perth Amboy 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) | $24.85 | $198.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.69 | $221.49 |
| Median (P50) | $34.21 | $273.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.78 | $350.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.01 | $424.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Perth Amboy
Based on $34.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.21/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Perth Amboy, NJ can expect to earn approximately $71,151 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,049. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Perth Amboy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Perth Amboy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,368.29 | $5,929 | $71,151 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $820.97 | $3,558 | $42,691 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.31 | $2,372 | $28,460 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Perth Amboy) | $34.21 |
| 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 Perth Amboy, NJ earn a median of $71,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.58% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.00% below the New Jersey state average of $72,595.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.21/hr = $42,691/year (purchasing power: $37,058).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,151/year (purchasing power: $61,763).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Perth Amboy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Perth Amboy grew 12.8% from $29.72/hr (2019) to $33.52/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.91/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 Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy
In considering the financial landscape for school counselors, it's essential to weigh the implications of part-time versus full-time positions. A typical part-time schedule of 24 hours per week can result in an annual take-home that significantly varies, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of working fewer hours. Per-diem roles add another layer, with private college counselors charging between $150 and $400 per hour in high-cost areas like Perth Amboy. It’s worth noting that extended counseling during the summer months can yield an extra $5,000 to $15,000, bolstering income for those who choose to work year-round. Hourly rates also fluctuate based on employer type, with K-12 public schools traditionally offering lower hourly pay compared to charter institutions, private schools, or career counseling agencies. For many school counselors, a lower hourly wage that includes benefits is often viewed favorably over higher pay with no insurance. Negotiating practical elements such as salary scales tied to the K-12 step-and-lane model can maximize earning potential, particularly in a city where behavior health initiatives are gaining traction post-COVID.
More salary data for Perth Amboy, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Perth Amboy in 2026?
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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 Perth Amboy. 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 Perth Amboy 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