School Counselor Hourly Pay in Johnston, RI: $29.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Johnston, RI runs $29.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,274 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Johnston's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,768 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Rhode Island, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $29.46 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $30.93. This hourly rate affects various working scenarios, such as part-time positions where counselors might work three days a week, balancing their time between elementary classroom guidance, middle school group sessions, and high school individual counseling. For professionals in this field, the hourly range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $22.43 per hour, while more experienced counselors can earn up to $45.66. This structure mirrors a broader pattern where health coverage and benefits can play a crucial role in job selection, as the hourly rates are often derived from annual salary estimates specific to educators and counseling professionals.
About the Johnston 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) | $22.43 | $179.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.83 | $190.63 |
| Median (P50) | $29.46 | $235.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.71 | $301.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.66 | $365.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Johnston
Based on $29.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.46/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Johnston, RI can expect to earn approximately $61,281 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,354. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Johnston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Johnston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,178.47 | $5,107 | $61,281 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $707.08 | $3,064 | $36,768 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $471.39 | $2,043 | $24,512 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Johnston) | $29.46 |
| 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 Johnston, RI earn a median of $61,274 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.76% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $63,365.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.46/hr = $36,768/year (purchasing power: $36,585).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,281/year (purchasing power: $60,976).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Johnston grew 12.8% from $25.60/hr (2019) to $28.87/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.07/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 Johnston 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 Johnston
Considering the potential earnings for school counselors in Johnston, a professional working part-time at 24 hours a week can expect to bring home roughly $36,988 annually, whereas full-time counselors may earn significantly more. Additionally, per-diem school counselors in private college settings charge between $150 and $400 per hour for specialized services, presenting an appealing alternative for those seeking higher compensation without the commitment of a permanent position. The type of employer also influences hourly rates, with K-12 public school positions typically offering lower rates compared to private or post-secondary counseling roles. Working within frameworks like the step-and-lane pay structure of K-12 education may afford benefits that some counselors prioritize over higher per diem rates with fewer job securities. Negotiating for an hourly wage in Johnston can be vital for maximizing earnings, especially considering the ongoing trend of increased mental health funding post-COVID, promoting a higher demand for school counselors.
More salary data for Johnston, RI:
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 Johnston. 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 Johnston 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