School Counselor Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $27.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Watertown, SD runs $27.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,259 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,750 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, SD, the projected median hourly pay for school counselors stands at $27.04, significantly lower than the national median of $30.93. This reflects the unique economic landscape of the region and the financing available for educational resources. For part-time counselors, such as those working three days a week, this figure translates to a feasible earning potential, catering to those who may engage in elementary classroom guidance, middle school group counseling, or high school one-on-one sessions. The hourly rate encompasses a broad range, with entry-level professionals earning around $20.14 per hour while more seasoned counselors can earn up to $41.64, depending on their experience, qualifications, and the specific school environment. This range allows for a variety of engagements within the educational system, from K-12 settings to per diem positions.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.14 | $161.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.03 | $176.26 |
| Median (P50) | $27.04 | $216.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.04 | $272.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.64 | $333.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $27.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.04/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $56,250 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,452. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,081.73 | $4,687 | $56,250 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $649.04 | $2,812 | $33,750 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $432.69 | $1,875 | $22,500 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Watertown) | $27.04 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $56,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.55% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $58,481.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.04/hr = $33,750/year (purchasing power: $36,369).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,250/year (purchasing power: $60,614).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Watertown grew 12.8% from $23.50/hr (2019) to $26.50/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.60/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
When considering the earning potential for school counselors in Watertown, part-time counselors working 24 hours a week might find their annual take-home pay considerably less than that of their full-time counterparts. The distinctive nature of per-diem or agency-based positions also introduces variability. For example, while substitute school counseling coverage is uncommon, those who provide private college counseling services in higher-cost-of-living areas can command hourly fees ranging from $150 to $400. Many counselors opt for public school roles, aware that compensations tend to follow a structured K-12 step-and-lane pay scale influenced by tenure and qualifications. The trade-offs in benefits are essential to weigh, as public school roles often provide health insurance, whereas per diem positions may offer higher wages without additional benefits. Counselors in Watertown exploring a school counselor hourly pay in SD should feel equipped to negotiate their salaries effectively, taking into account the local job market as well as their professional expertise.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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