School Counselor Hourly Pay in Fredericksburg, VA: $29.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Fredericksburg, VA runs $29.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Fredericksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,998 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, school counselors can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.65 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $30.93. This hourly compensation is significant for both part-time workers—typically those engaged three days per week—and per-diem contractors working in various educational settings, from elementary guidance lessons to high school counseling offices. For entry-level positions, the hourly rate starts at about $20.45, while more experienced counselors can earn as much as $45.94 per hour. The hourly wages, derived from annual salary expectations, reflect the typical financial landscape for school counselors in this region as they provide crucial support in schools, particularly in light of the expanded mental health services following the COVID pandemic.
About the Fredericksburg 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) | $20.45 | $163.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.88 | $199.04 |
| Median (P50) | $29.65 | $237.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.94 | $303.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.94 | $367.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fredericksburg
Based on $29.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.65/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fredericksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $61,663 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,575. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fredericksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fredericksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,185.82 | $5,139 | $61,663 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.49 | $3,083 | $36,998 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.33 | $2,055 | $24,665 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Fredericksburg) | $29.65 |
| 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 Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $61,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.16% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $63,305.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.65/hr = $36,998/year (purchasing power: $35,850).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,663/year (purchasing power: $59,751).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Fredericksburg grew 12.8% from $25.76/hr (2019) to $29.05/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.25/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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
For part-time counselors working approximately 24 hours a week, the earnings can translate to around $36,860 annually, a fraction of what full-time employees make, but still viable for those pursuing flexibility. In the realm of per-diem work, while coverage for substitute school counselors is uncommon in Fredericksburg, private colleges may offer lucrative consulting positions with pay ranging between $150 and $400 per hour. Moreover, the hourly rates can vary widely depending on the type of institution—K-12 public schools, charter schools, or private settings—each presenting unique trade-offs in salary versus benefits. Some counselors may intentionally accept lower pay for job security and health insurance, often found in full-time roles. When negotiating pay, consider the specific demands of Fredericksburg schools, highlighting any additional responsibilities or unique skills, further demonstrating your value in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, 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 Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg 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