School Counselor Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, NC: $26.91 (2026)

Part-time counselors in Jacksonville typically earn less on an annual basis compared to their full-time counterparts, resulting in a take-home pay considerably lower than what is possible in full-time roles. For example, working 24 hours a week, a school counselor may see their annual earnings fall around $33,894, compared to a projected full-time annual salary. Additionally, per diem opportunities for school counselors often lead to varied prospects; while school districts might offer more stability, per diem counselors who operate in private colleges can charge anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour, especially in higher-cost-of-living markets. Furthermore, counselors across different employer types, including public K-12 schools, charter systems, and private institutions, experience distinct compensation structures. Many opt for positions with slightly lower hourly rates for the benefit of health insurance and job security, while others pursue higher hourly pay in private practice or consultancy. When negotiating hourly pay in Jacksonville, it helps to be aware of the step-and-lane pay scales typical in K-12 settings and the increasing funding for mental health initiatives following the COVID-19 pandemic.