School Counselor Hourly Pay in Cumberland, RI: $28.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Cumberland, RI runs $28.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,305 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Cumberland's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,183 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cumberland, Rhode Island, school counselors can expect a median hourly pay of $28.99, which is slightly below the national median of $30.93. This rate offers insight into the potential earnings for part-time staff or those working as per-diem counselors in various educational settings, including elementary classrooms, middle school group sessions, high school counseling offices, and college resource rooms. The hourly pay scale for school counselors in this region ranges from $21.32 at the entry level to $44.94 for those at the top of their field. These figures are derived from projected 2026 data based on 2025 BLS estimates, reflecting the importance of understanding how such compensation can affect the daily responsibilities and financial viability for counselors contributing to student mental health and guidance efforts.
About the Cumberland Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($75,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.32 | $170.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.54 | $188.34 |
| Median (P50) | $28.99 | $231.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.12 | $296.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.94 | $359.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cumberland
Based on $28.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.99/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cumberland, RI can expect to earn approximately $60,304 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,791. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cumberland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cumberland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,159.70 | $5,025 | $60,304 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $695.82 | $3,015 | $36,183 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $463.88 | $2,010 | $24,122 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Cumberland) | $28.99 |
| 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 Cumberland, RI earn a median of $60,305 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.26% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 4.80% below the Rhode Island state average of $63,346.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.99/hr = $36,183/year (purchasing power: $36,003).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,304/year (purchasing power: $60,004).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Cumberland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Cumberland grew 12.8% from $25.19/hr (2019) to $28.41/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.59/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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland
Considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, a school counselor in Cumberland can realistically expect to earn around $37,056 annually by working approximately 24 hours each week. This is in contrast to the earnings of full-time counterparts, where counselors often rely on standard benefits associated with K-12 positions, such as health insurance. The landscape for per-diem school counselor pay in Cumberland varies significantly; while some opt for full-time school roles, part-time or agency school counselors may find themselves paid less frequently, with private college counselors charging significantly higher rates that can range from $150 to $400 per hour. Meanwhile, the hourly rates differ across employer types, with public K-12 school districts prevailing over private and charter institutions. While many school counselors are drawn to positions offering stability and benefits, the choice to pursue higher hourly wages often comes with trade-offs, making negotiation skills essential in discussions with potential employers in this field.
More salary data for Cumberland, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Cumberland in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Cumberland?
Are school counselors in Cumberland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Cumberland?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Cumberland?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Rhode Island
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 Cumberland. 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 Cumberland 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