School Counselor Hourly Pay in Westfield, NJ: $33.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Westfield, NJ runs $33.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,670 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Westfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,398 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westfield, NJ, the projected school counselor hourly pay for 2026 is $33.97, notably higher than the national median of $30.93. This competitive rate offers part-time and per-diem counselors substantial earning potential even on a limited schedule. For instance, a counselor working three days a week can still access comprehensive support services in various settings, from elementary school guidance lessons to high school counseling offices. With an hourly range that spans from $23.27 for entry-level positions to $52.66 for experienced professionals, the variance highlights opportunities for both new entrants and seasoned counselors seeking to maximize their compensation.
About the Westfield 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) | $23.27 | $186.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.49 | $227.94 |
| Median (P50) | $33.97 | $271.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.64 | $341.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.66 | $421.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westfield
Based on $33.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.97/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westfield, NJ can expect to earn approximately $70,663 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,767. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,358.90 | $5,889 | $70,663 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $815.34 | $3,533 | $42,398 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.56 | $2,355 | $28,265 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Westfield) | $33.97 |
| 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 Westfield, NJ earn a median of $70,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.85% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 2.70% below the New Jersey state average of $72,631.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.97/hr = $42,398/year (purchasing power: $36,803).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,663/year (purchasing power: $61,339).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Westfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Westfield grew 12.8% from $29.52/hr (2019) to $33.29/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.67/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 Westfield 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 Westfield
Examining the financial realities of part-time employment reveals that a school counselor working 24 hours a week in Westfield significantly benefits from a structured pay scale. This professional can realistically expect to earn around $52,031 annually, a competitive figure compared to typical full-time salaries. The per diem school counselor pay in Westfield varies widely, with private consultants charging from $150 to $400 per hour for specialized services. Moreover, the differences in hourly compensation between roles in K-12 public schools and other educational institutions may drive some counselors to favor higher-paying positions without benefits. Those negotiating hourly rates should consider the extensive network of schools in Westfield, including charter and private institutions, allowing for comparisons to launch discussions about pay and related benefits.
More salary data for Westfield, 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 Westfield. 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 Westfield 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