School Counselor Hourly Pay in Schenectady, NY: $29.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Schenectady, NY runs $29.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,560 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Schenectady's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,934 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Schenectady, NY, the projected median hourly pay for school counselors in 2026 stands at $29.59, slightly below the national median of $30.93. For those opting to work part-time—perhaps in educational settings such as elementary classrooms, middle school group counseling, or high school individual counseling offices—this wage translates into a steady income, even while working as few as three days a week. This hourly rate spans a range from $20.97 at the entry-level to $45.87 for top earners, reflecting the varying experiences and qualifications among school counselors in the area. With hourly pay estimates derived from annual salary data, it's essential to recognize the potential impact on those pursuing per-diem roles, especially where flexibility and diverse assignments are valuable.
About the Schenectady 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) | $20.97 | $167.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.56 | $188.51 |
| Median (P50) | $29.59 | $236.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.88 | $303.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.87 | $366.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Schenectady
Based on $29.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.59/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Schenectady, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,557 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,513. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Schenectady.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Schenectady
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.78 | $5,130 | $61,557 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.27 | $3,078 | $36,934 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.51 | $2,052 | $24,623 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Schenectady) | $29.59 |
| 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 Schenectady, NY earn a median of $61,560 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.31% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.90% below the New York state average of $62,119.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.59/hr = $36,934/year (purchasing power: $31,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,557/year (purchasing power: $53,112).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Schenectady (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Schenectady grew 12.8% from $25.71/hr (2019) to $29.00/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.20/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 Schenectady 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 Schenectady
For counselors choosing a part-time schedule of 24 hours a week, the annual earnings can amount to roughly $36,973, which is significantly less than full-time counterparts. This may seem appealing for those seeking work-life balance, but the full-time school counselor’s salary typically reflects greater stability and comprehensive benefits. With the rise of per-diem opportunities, many counselors are finding lucrative options. For instance, private college counselors in Schenectady can charge between $150-$400 per hour for straightforward college admissions consulting. In terms of employer types, hourly wages can differ substantially; K-12 public schools, charter networks, and private institutions might all offer varying compensation while adhering to the step-and-lane pay structure that parallels teachers. This often presents a dilemma for school counselors weighing the benefits of lower hourly pay with health insurance against a higher rate without benefits. Negotiating strategies specific to the region, including articulating one's value in student support amidst a post-COVID mental health crisis, can greatly enhance hourly compensation and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Schenectady, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Schenectady in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Schenectady?
Are school counselors in Schenectady paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Schenectady?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Schenectady?
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 Schenectady. 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 Schenectady 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