School Counselor Hourly Pay in South Burlington, VT: $30.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in South Burlington, VT runs $30.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,245 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against South Burlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,953 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In South Burlington, VT, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $30.41 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $30.93. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-per-week schedule, this rate enables meaningful earnings while still allowing for flexibility, perfect for those interested in multitasking within education or counseling. The hourly rates in this profession vary widely, ranging from $21.59 for entry-level positions to $47.13 for top earners, reflecting the diverse settings in which counselors operate—ranging from elementary school guidance classes to high school counseling offices. Such hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates and provide essential insight for individuals looking to understand their potential earnings in various educational roles.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.59 | $172.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.09 | $192.75 |
| Median (P50) | $30.41 | $243.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.76 | $310.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.13 | $377.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Burlington
Based on $30.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.41/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Burlington, VT can expect to earn approximately $63,255 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,493. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in South Burlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Burlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.44 | $5,271 | $63,255 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.86 | $3,163 | $37,953 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.57 | $2,108 | $25,302 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (South Burlington) | $30.41 |
| 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 South Burlington, VT earn a median of $63,245 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.69% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.10% below the Vermont state average of $65,269.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.41/hr = $37,953/year (purchasing power: $36,669).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,255/year (purchasing power: $61,116).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in South Burlington grew 12.8% from $26.42/hr (2019) to $29.80/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.03/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 South Burlington 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 South Burlington
Exploring part-time compensation, a school counselor working three days a week, clocking in at 24 hours across that schedule, can anticipate annual earnings scaling down to roughly $39,650, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. The demand for per diem work can be substantial, with private college counselors in high-cost-of-living areas charging between $150 and $400 per hour for college admissions consulting, creating a stark contrast to traditional K-12 roles. School counselors in South Burlington may experience different pay scales depending on employer types, with public districts generally following a traditional step-and-lane structure similar to teachers, while private institutions may offer competitive pay without benefits. Counselors need to weigh the benefits of consistent employment with health insurance against opportunities for higher pay that come with telecommuting and contract work. Practical negotiation tips for successfully establishing a school counselor hourly rate in this market include demonstrating experience and the impact of post-COVID mental health initiatives on recent hiring trends and salary adjustments.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in South Burlington in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in South Burlington?
Are school counselors in South Burlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in South Burlington?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in South Burlington?
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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 South Burlington. 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 South Burlington 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