School Counselor Hourly Pay in Kettering, OH: $28.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Kettering, OH runs $28.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Kettering's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,902 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kettering, Ohio, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $28.77 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $30.93, reflecting a regional adjustment based on cost of living factors. For part-time counselors working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a potential income of about $36,000 annually, which can be quite appealing for those balancing additional responsibilities or pursuing further education. The hourly wage range for school counselors in Kettering spans from $20.65 for entry-level positions to $44.60 for top earners, demonstrating an accessible pathway for professionals at various career stages. These rates are essential for understanding compensation in roles that often involve working in diverse settings such as elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as college counseling environments and crisis response teams.
About the Kettering Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.65 | $165.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.19 | $185.49 |
| Median (P50) | $28.77 | $230.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.82 | $294.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.60 | $356.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kettering
Based on $28.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.77/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kettering, OH can expect to earn approximately $59,837 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,521. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kettering.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kettering
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,150.72 | $4,986 | $59,837 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $690.43 | $2,992 | $35,902 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $460.29 | $1,995 | $23,935 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Kettering) | $28.77 |
| 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 Kettering, OH earn a median of $59,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.99% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 1.90% below the Ohio state average of $60,997.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.77/hr = $35,902/year (purchasing power: $39,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,837/year (purchasing power: $65,973).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Kettering (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Kettering grew 12.8% from $25.00/hr (2019) to $28.19/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.36/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 Kettering 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 Kettering
Examining the earning potential for part-time counselors reveals that those working a 24-hour week in Kettering can make a substantial income over the course of a year. While full-time positions often provide health benefits and job stability, the rise of per diem positions allows some professionals to command more flexible arrangements. Per diem school counselors may charge fees upwards of $150-$400 per hour for specialized services in high-cost areas, which creates a stark contrast with school salaries. Hourly rates can differ notably across employer types, with K-12 public schools generally adhering to a structured pay system, while private schools or post-secondary colleges might offer higher flexibility, but without comprehensive benefits. Understanding these varying rates and the associated trade-offs is crucial for anyone in the profession. Counselors in Kettering should also prepare for negotiations by researching local compensation trends to ensure they advocate effectively for their worth within this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Kettering, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Kettering. 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 Kettering 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