School Counselor Hourly Pay in Los Alamos, NM: $26.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Los Alamos, NM runs $26.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,857 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Los Alamos's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,909 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Los Alamos, NM, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $26.37 in 2026, which falls below the national median hourly pay of $30.93. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this equates to approximately $21,649 annually, a figure that significantly impacts personal financial planning. The hourly rates range from $19.87 for entry-level positions to $40.88 for top earners. Working in environments like elementary classrooms, middle and high school counseling offices, or college resource centers, counselors play a vital role in supporting students’ academic and emotional well-being. Even though these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, they reflect the challenges and responsibilities that school counselors face daily, and these figures can guide future professionals in Los Alamos as they navigate their career paths.
About the Los Alamos Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.87 | $158.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.73 | $173.81 |
| Median (P50) | $26.37 | $210.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.42 | $267.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.88 | $327.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Los Alamos
Based on $26.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.37/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Los Alamos, NM can expect to earn approximately $54,849 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,644. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Los Alamos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Los Alamos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,054.79 | $4,571 | $54,849 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $632.87 | $2,742 | $32,909 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $421.92 | $1,828 | $21,940 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Los Alamos) | $26.37 |
| 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 Los Alamos, NM earn a median of $54,857 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.73% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 7.80% below the New Mexico state average of $59,498.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.37/hr = $32,909/year (purchasing power: $34,862).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,849/year (purchasing power: $58,103).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Los Alamos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Los Alamos grew 12.8% from $22.91/hr (2019) to $25.84/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.91/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 Los Alamos 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 Los Alamos
For counselors contemplating part-time work, such as a standard 24-hour week, the annual income diverges significantly from full-time roles, often making it necessary to consider additional opportunities. Many private college counselors, for example, charge per diem rates between $150-$400 in higher-cost markets, bringing a different financial perspective. School counseling roles vary widely, with public K-12 districts generally adhering to structured pay scales similar to teachers, while charter and private institutions may offer more flexible hourly rates but less job security. Health benefits often accompany full-time positions, leading some counselors to choose lower pay for the stability provided, while those opting for higher hourly wages must weigh the absence of such benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Los Alamos, understanding the local job market alongside the specific demands of each institution can empower counselors to secure rates that reflect their skills and experience.
More salary data for Los Alamos, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Los Alamos in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Los Alamos?
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How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Los Alamos?
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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 Los Alamos. 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 Los Alamos 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