School Counselor Hourly Pay in Pottstown, PA: $27.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Pottstown, PA runs $27.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,748 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Pottstown's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,654 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pottstown, Pennsylvania, the median school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $27.77 in 2026, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national median hourly rate of $30.93. This disparity could impact part-time school counselors, particularly those working three days a week. For instance, a counselor in this schedule might find themselves earning around $2,733 per month before taxes, still allowing for a decent living but is lower than many regions. The hourly rate also varies significantly across the spectrum of experience, with entry-level positions earning approximately $19.76, while top earners can command up to $43.03 per hour. These figures, derived from anticipated annual salaries, will inform the financial realities of those engaged in various educational settings, such as elementary classroom guidance, middle school small group therapy, high school individual counseling, and college admissions consulting.
About the Pottstown Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.76 | $158.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.66 | $189.24 |
| Median (P50) | $27.77 | $222.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.33 | $282.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.03 | $344.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pottstown
Based on $27.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.77/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pottstown, PA can expect to earn approximately $57,757 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,321. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pottstown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pottstown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,110.71 | $4,813 | $57,757 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.43 | $2,888 | $34,654 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.28 | $1,925 | $23,103 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Pottstown) | $27.77 |
| 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 Pottstown, PA earn a median of $57,748 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.24% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 5.70% below the Pennsylvania state average of $61,239.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.77/hr = $34,654/year (purchasing power: $35,579).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,757/year (purchasing power: $59,299).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Pottstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Pottstown grew 12.8% from $24.13/hr (2019) to $27.21/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.34/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 Pottstown 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 Pottstown
Considering the broader earning potential for school counselors in Pottstown illuminates interesting dynamics. A part-time school counselor working 24 hours per week would earn about $43,095 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, who could expect an income around $57,748 yearly. The realities of per-diem and locum work add another layer, as private college counselors can earn substantially more, charging anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour, especially in high-cost living areas. The hourly rates for counselors working in different educational settings also impact their take-home pay: roles within K-12 public schools may offer lower hourly rates but provide benefits such as health insurance. In negotiation, those seeking positions should consider the value of these benefits, especially within the K-12 system in PA. For those contemplating hourly positions in schools, understanding the local pay structures and being aware of personal financial needs will be vital in making informed career choices.
More salary data for Pottstown, PA:
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 Pottstown. 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 Pottstown 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