School Counselor Hourly Pay in Bristol, VA: $29.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Bristol, VA runs $29.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,743 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,049 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Virginia, school counselors earn a median hourly rate of $29.69, which positions them slightly below the national median hourly pay of $30.93. For part-time and per-diem school counselors, this wage translates into potential earnings that can support a flexible work life, especially when serving in various settings such as elementary classrooms, middle school small group counseling, high school individual counseling offices, and college counseling resource rooms. With an hourly range from $22.11 at the low end to $45.63 for more experienced counselors, the pay reflects the salary structure typical within the K-12 educational system, which often adheres to a step-and-lane model similar to that of teachers. As the demand for school counselors increases, particularly in the post-COVID educational landscape emphasizing mental health support, these hourly rates remain critical for attracting talent in a region where overall living costs are slightly above the national average (cost of living index of 103.2).
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.11 | $176.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.19 | $193.49 |
| Median (P50) | $29.69 | $237.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.40 | $299.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.63 | $365.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $29.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.69/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, VA can expect to earn approximately $61,748 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,624. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,187.45 | $5,146 | $61,748 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.47 | $3,087 | $37,049 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.98 | $2,058 | $24,699 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Bristol) | $29.69 |
| 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 Bristol, VA earn a median of $61,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.03% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.50% below the Virginia state average of $63,326.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.69/hr = $37,049/year (purchasing power: $35,900).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,748/year (purchasing power: $59,833).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Bristol grew 12.8% from $25.79/hr (2019) to $29.09/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.29/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
For those considering a part-time role working three days a week, a school counselor in Bristol would take home significantly different pay compared to their full-time counterparts. A 24-hour work week translates to approximately $36,474 annually, demonstrating the appealing prospects for those who balance multiple responsibilities or seek flexibility in their careers. On the per diem front, school counselors must consider agency or substitute opportunities, which can offer varying compensation; private college counselors in higher-cost service areas may charge between $150 and $400 per hour for college admissions consulting. It's essential to recognize that hourly rates can differ across employer types in Bristol, whether in K-12 public schools or post-secondary institutions. Counselors might choose lower hourly pay for the added benefits such as health insurance, while others may prioritize higher rates without these perks. As the job market grows, effective negotiation becomes key in securing favorable terms, especially for hourly school counselor roles in the region.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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