School Counselor Hourly Pay in Edinburg, TX: $37.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Edinburg, TX runs $37.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,464 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Edinburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,084 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the school counselor hourly pay in Edinburg, Texas, is projected to reach a median of $37.73, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93, making this profession quite competitive in the local market. For those working part-time, such as a counselor in an elementary school providing guidance lessons three days a week, this hourly rate translates into approximately $29,820 annually for a 24-hour workweek. The hourly compensation can vary widely, with entry-level positions earning around $26.07 and more experienced counselors commanding rates of up to $58.47, providing a range that reflects varying levels of responsibility and expertise. These figures represent estimates based on annual salary projections and speak to the diverse settings in which counselors work, including middle school small group guidance, high school individual counseling, and college counseling resource rooms.
About the Edinburg 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) | $26.07 | $208.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.64 | $237.08 |
| Median (P50) | $37.73 | $301.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.29 | $386.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.47 | $467.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edinburg
Based on $37.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.73/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edinburg, TX can expect to earn approximately $78,474 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,273. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Edinburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edinburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,509.12 | $6,540 | $78,474 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $905.47 | $3,924 | $47,084 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $603.65 | $2,616 | $31,390 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Edinburg) | $37.73 |
| 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 Edinburg, TX earn a median of $78,464 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.96% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 17.20% above the Texas state average of $66,949.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.73/hr = $47,084/year (purchasing power: $49,046).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,474/year (purchasing power: $81,744).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Edinburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Edinburg grew 12.8% from $32.78/hr (2019) to $36.97/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.50/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 Edinburg 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 Edinburg
Analyzing the earning potential shows a distinct contrast between part-time and full-time counselors in Edinburg. A school counselor working three days a week may find their earnings falling short compared to full-time peers, who benefit from structured salary increases typical of K-12 step-and-lane pay systems. Per diem and agency counselors can find opportunities that allow for much higher hourly rates — often charging between $150 and $400 for private college admissions consulting in higher cost of living markets. Such positions could yield an additional $5,000 to $15,000 for extended year counseling, adding a financial incentive for school counselors to consider summer positions. Furthermore, hourly rates can differ based on employment type, with K-12 public school counselors often having more stability but potentially lower per-hour compensation compared to private or charter schools or even community college roles. Counselors may need to approach job negotiations with a keen understanding of the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits — while higher pay may appeal to some, the inclusiveness of health insurance in school districts might sway others.
More salary data for Edinburg, 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 Edinburg. 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 Edinburg 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