School Counselor Hourly Pay in Clemson, SC: $27.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Clemson, SC runs $27.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,183 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Clemson's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,712 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clemson, South Carolina, the school counselor hourly pay stands at $27.01, which is notably lower than the national median of $30.93. This discrepancy suggests that school counselors in this region may find their compensation less competitive on a broader scale. For part-time counselors working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $28,200 annually. This might be appealing for those seeking flexible schedules while engaging in various environments such as elementary classrooms, middle school group counseling, or high school counseling offices. For entry-level positions, hourly wages can start at $20.31, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $41.87, making the field accessible to a range of providers focused on student well-being.
About the Clemson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.31 | $162.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.23 | $177.81 |
| Median (P50) | $27.01 | $216.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.21 | $273.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.87 | $334.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clemson
Based on $27.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.01/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clemson, SC can expect to earn approximately $56,186 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,415. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clemson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clemson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,080.51 | $4,682 | $56,186 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $648.30 | $2,809 | $33,712 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $432.20 | $1,873 | $22,475 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Clemson) | $27.01 |
| 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 Clemson, SC earn a median of $56,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.67% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 7.90% below the South Carolina state average of $61,002.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.01/hr = $33,712/year (purchasing power: $36,843).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,186/year (purchasing power: $61,406).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Clemson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Clemson grew 12.8% from $23.47/hr (2019) to $26.47/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.57/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 Clemson 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 Clemson
Looking at the job market dynamics, a part-time school counselor working 24 hours per week can expect a significantly lower annual income than their full-time counterparts, which can lead to financial challenges. The landscape for per-diem school counselor pay in Clemson can vary widely; while local school districts offer steady hourly wages, private college counselors in high-cost areas may charge between $150 to $400 per hour for specialized services. Factors such as employer type also influence hourly rates, with K-12 public schools generally providing consistent pay aligned with traditional step-and-lane structures seen in teaching. In contrast, some counselors may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits, highlighting a trade-off that requires careful consideration. For those negotiating their compensation, it's crucial to recognize the demand for mental health professionals, especially following increased funding initiatives since the pandemic, which may provide leverage in discussions with employers across Clemson's diverse educational institutions.
More salary data for Clemson, SC:
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 Clemson. 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 Clemson 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