School Counselor Hourly Pay in Cortland, NY: $27.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Cortland, NY runs $27.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,186 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Cortland's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,310 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the school counselor hourly pay in Cortland, NY, reaches a median of $27.49, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $30.93. This slight disparity may present challenges for part-time counselors working three days a week, where their income might not fully reflect the demands of their role. Typical settings, such as elementary classrooms for guidance lessons, middle school small group counseling, and high school individual sessions, require a range of skills that might not be adequately compensated at this rate. For entry-level positions, the hourly pay starts at $20.79, while experienced professionals can earn up to $41.73. With a salary range that extends from $20.79 to $41.73, the pay structure offers various opportunities for school counselors, depending on their experience and the complexity of their work.
About the Cortland Market
Salary estimated from New York average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.79 | $166.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.62 | $181.00 |
| Median (P50) | $27.49 | $219.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.81 | $278.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.73 | $333.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cortland
Based on $27.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.49/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cortland, NY can expect to earn approximately $57,184 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,991. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cortland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cortland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,099.69 | $4,765 | $57,184 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $659.81 | $2,859 | $34,310 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.88 | $1,906 | $22,874 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Cortland) | $27.49 |
| 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 Cortland, NY earn a median of $57,186 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.11% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 7.90% below the New York state average of $62,091.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.49/hr = $34,310/year (purchasing power: $29,603).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,184/year (purchasing power: $49,339).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Cortland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Cortland grew 12.8% from $23.89/hr (2019) to $26.94/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.06/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 Cortland 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 Cortland
Considering part-time positions, a school counselor working 24 hours per week can expect to take home approximately $34,024 annually, which is significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For those engaged in per diem work, the financial landscape shifts; while per diem school counselor pay in Cortland may vary, private college counselors can command rates between $150 and $400 per hour for specialized services. Employers, including K-12 public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions, may offer different hourly rates influenced by funding sources and benefits. For many, the decision may come down to a trade-off between securing higher hourly rates without benefits and accepting lower ones that include health insurance packages. When negotiating hourly compensation in Cortland, it may be beneficial for counselors to research local salary standards and highlight their unique qualifications, given the growing demand for mental health support in schools stemming from post-COVID funding expansions.
More salary data for Cortland, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Cortland in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Cortland?
Are school counselors in Cortland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Cortland?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Cortland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Cortland. 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 Cortland 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