School Counselor Hourly Pay in Kernersville, NC: $26.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Kernersville, NC runs $26.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,719 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Kernersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,432 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kernersville, NC, school counselors earn a median hourly rate of $26.79, which is lower than the national median of $30.93. This hourly pay reflects the profession’s typical settings, including elementary guidance, middle school group counseling, and high school individual sessions. For professionals working part-time, such as those who may be available three days a week, this translates to a modest income, which may not fully support their financial goals. Moreover, per-diem roles are rare, but if available, they offer flexibility and potential higher income. The range for hourly pay extends from $19.28 at entry-level positions to $41.52 for those at the top of their field, indicating a pathway for growth based on experience and specialization.
About the Kernersville Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.28 | $154.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.43 | $171.44 |
| Median (P50) | $26.79 | $214.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.20 | $273.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.52 | $332.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kernersville
Based on $26.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.79/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kernersville, NC can expect to earn approximately $55,719 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,146. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kernersville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kernersville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,071.52 | $4,643 | $55,719 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.91 | $2,786 | $33,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.61 | $1,857 | $22,288 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Kernersville) | $26.79 |
| 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 Kernersville, NC earn a median of $55,719 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.39% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.90% below the North Carolina state average of $56,225.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.79/hr = $33,432/year (purchasing power: $35,718).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,719/year (purchasing power: $59,529).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Kernersville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Kernersville grew 12.8% from $23.28/hr (2019) to $26.25/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.34/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 Kernersville 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 Kernersville
When evaluating the earning potential for a school counselor in Kernersville who decides to work part-time for three days a week, the calculated take-home pay reveals a stark contrast with full-time compensation. Averaging 24 hours of work per week, part-timers would make significantly less than those in full-time roles, resulting in less annual income overall. In contrast, per diem school counselor pay in Kernersville can vary widely based on service type and urgency, with some private college counselors earning up to $400 per hour. Notably, many counselors choose to work in K-12 schools due to the benefits offered despite the lower pay. The trade-off between hourly wages and benefits can often influence where counselors decide to work, with public schools typically providing more extensive health insurance options. Counselors looking for better hourly rates must be strategic, negotiating based on their qualifications while remaining aware of the local education market's dynamics and needs.
More salary data for Kernersville, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Kernersville in 2026?
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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 Kernersville. 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 Kernersville 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