School Counselor Hourly Pay in Richardson, TX: $32.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Richardson, TX runs $32.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,786 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Richardson'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
In 2026, school counselors in Richardson, Texas, can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $32.58, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $30.93. This competitive rate reflects the growing need for mental health support in K-12 settings, particularly as districts grapple with elevated counselor-to-student ratios. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a significant hourly income, allowing for flexibility in their schedules while contributing to various settings like elementary school guidance lessons, middle school small group sessions, and high school individual counseling offices. With the hourly range stretching from $21.32 for entry-level positions to approximately $50.51 for seasoned professionals, the earning potential remains diverse. These estimates come from annual salary data, projecting realistic hourly compensation for school counselors in the area.
About the Richardson 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) | $21.32 | $170.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.62 | $213.00 |
| Median (P50) | $32.58 | $260.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.72 | $333.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.51 | $404.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richardson
Based on $32.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.58/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richardson, 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 Richardson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richardson
| 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 (Richardson) | $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 Richardson, TX earn a median of $67,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $66,982.
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 Richardson (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 | $30.84/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 Richardson 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 Richardson 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 Richardson
Part-time counselors working 24 hours a week would typically take home a considerable annual income, albeit less than their full-time counterparts. The difference can be striking; many part-time counselors may earn significantly less annually than those who hold full-time positions. In contrast, per diem school counselor pay in Richardson can vary widely, particularly in high-cost-of-living markets, where private college counselors often charge $150 to $400 an hour for direct-pay services. Additionally, summer counseling opportunities can increase earnings by an additional $5,000 to $15,000. Counseling positions across different employer types - public K-12 districts, charter schools, and private institutions - also influence hourly pay. Some counselors may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others may pursue higher pay at the cost of job security and benefits. Effective negotiation strategies can lead to better hourly rates, particularly in a market where school counseling positions are becoming increasingly available due to recent mental health funding initiatives.
More salary data for Richardson, 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 Richardson. 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 Richardson 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