School Counselor Hourly Pay in Carrollton, TX: $32.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Carrollton, TX runs $32.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,774 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Carrollton's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,666 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

School counselors in Carrollton, TX, earn a median hourly rate of $32.58, which is notably higher than the national median of $30.93. This competitive rate provides a solid foundation for those working in both part-time and per-diem positions. Whether offering classroom guidance lessons at elementary schools, conducting small group counseling in middle schools, or providing individual support in high schools, counselors can significantly benefit from these hourly wages. For those entering the field, the hourly pay ranges from $21.31 to $50.50, reflecting the varying levels of experience and expertise. Such figures indicate the potential for a rewarding career, particularly when estimates are based on annual salary data and translated into hourly rates in the context of a school environment.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.31 | $170.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.61 | $212.92 |
| Median (P50) | $32.58 | $260.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.71 | $333.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.50 | $404.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carrollton
Based on $32.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.58/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carrollton, TX can expect to earn approximately $67,776 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,101. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carrollton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carrollton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,303.38 | $5,648 | $67,776 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $782.03 | $3,389 | $40,666 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $521.35 | $2,259 | $27,110 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Carrollton) | $32.58 |
| 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 Carrollton, TX earn a median of $67,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.35% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $66,971.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.58/hr = $40,666/year (purchasing power: $42,360).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,776/year (purchasing power: $70,600).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Carrollton grew 12.8% from $28.31/hr (2019) to $31.93/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.25/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 Carrollton 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 Carrollton
In Carrollton, part-time school counselors typically work around three days a week, translating to roughly 24 hours of work. A part-time schedule can yield a significant annual income, albeit lower than that of full-time counselors due to the reduced hours. Per-diem school counselors and agency workers, however, often charge much higher rates, sometimes reaching $150 to $400 per hour for college counseling services in high-cost-of-living areas. Employment settings can also influence pay scales; while public K-12 districts adhere closely to a step-and-lane pay structure similar to teachers, charter and private schools might offer different compensation packages. With the high student-to-counselor ratios and the recent infusion of mental health funding post-COVID, counseling positions are increasingly vital. Those considering opportunities in Carrollton should weigh benefits such as health insurance against higher hourly wages that may not include benefits. Building negotiation skills will be essential as counselors strive to secure favorable hourly terms in a competitive field.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
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 Carrollton. 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 Carrollton 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