School Counselor Hourly Pay in West Warwick, RI: $30.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in West Warwick, RI runs $30.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,640 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against West Warwick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,583 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In West Warwick, the projected school counselor hourly pay is set at $30.11, which is slightly below the national median of $30.93 for this profession. This hourly rate provides flexibility for both part-time counselors, often working three days a week, and those engaged in per-diem opportunities. Within typical work environments, including elementary classrooms, middle school focus groups, high school counseling offices, and college admissions settings, these roles can be tailored to fit various schedules. The hourly pay range spans from $21.52 at the lower end (P10) to approximately $46.46 for top earners (P90), showing a significant earning potential relative to entry-level positions. It is essential to remember that these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, reflecting both the opportunities and challenges faced by counselors in West Warwick.
About the West Warwick 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) | $21.52 | $172.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.01 | $192.10 |
| Median (P50) | $30.11 | $240.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.73 | $301.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.46 | $371.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Warwick
Based on $30.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.11/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Warwick, RI can expect to earn approximately $62,639 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,138. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Warwick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Warwick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,204.60 | $5,220 | $62,639 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $722.76 | $3,132 | $37,583 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $481.84 | $2,088 | $25,056 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (West Warwick) | $30.11 |
| 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 West Warwick, RI earn a median of $62,640 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.63% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 1.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $63,337.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.11/hr = $37,583/year (purchasing power: $37,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,639/year (purchasing power: $62,327).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in West Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in West Warwick grew 12.8% from $26.17/hr (2019) to $29.51/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.73/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 West Warwick 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 West Warwick
For those considering part-time work as a school counselor, earning potential can vary dramatically based on hours worked. A counselor working 24 hours a week may take home a different amount annually compared to full-time counterparts. Additionally, per diem roles in private colleges can command fees ranging from $150 to $400 per hour, although these opportunities are less common. In West Warwick, the earning capacity also fluctuates across different types of employment, from K-12 public schools to charter and private institutions, along with specialized roles in post-secondary counseling. While some counselors choose positions with lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, others may opt for higher rates without such perks. For those working in this field, effective negotiation can significantly impact compensation, making it vital to understand the prevailing market conditions when discussing pay.
More salary data for West Warwick, 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 West Warwick. 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 West Warwick 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