School Counselor Hourly Pay in Springfield, VA: $29.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Springfield, VA runs $29.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,971 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,577 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Springfield, VA, the projected median hourly pay for school counselors is $29.31, which is slightly lower than the national median of $30.93. This pay scale is quite relevant for those considering part-time or per-diem positions, often a common choice for school counselors who work in various settings, including elementary schools for guidance lessons and high schools for individual counseling. The hourly range for school counselors in the area goes from $22.10 at the entry-level to $45.43 for the most experienced professionals. This structure reflects the pay dynamics in educational institutions, where salaries are estimates based on annual figures and often vary by experience and the specific needs of the district or institution.
About the Springfield 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) | $22.10 | $176.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.21 | $193.65 |
| Median (P50) | $29.31 | $234.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.52 | $300.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.43 | $363.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $29.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.31/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, VA can expect to earn approximately $60,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,171. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,172.35 | $5,080 | $60,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.41 | $3,048 | $36,577 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.94 | $2,032 | $24,385 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Springfield) | $29.31 |
| 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 Springfield, VA earn a median of $60,971 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 3.70% below the Virginia state average of $63,313.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.31/hr = $36,577/year (purchasing power: $35,443).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,962/year (purchasing power: $59,072).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Springfield grew 12.8% from $25.47/hr (2019) to $28.72/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.91/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
The earning potential for part-time school counselors can vary significantly compared to their full-time counterparts. Working three days a week at 24 hours can yield a substantially lower annual income than a full-time position, even when keeping flexibility in mind. For those considering per-diem work, direct-pay positions such as college admissions consulting can command anywhere between $150 to $400 per hour in high-cost-of-living markets. In Springfield, counselors employed by public K-12 districts might encounter a structured pay scale similar to that of teachers, influenced by ASCA recommendations and mental health funding expansions post-COVID. Privately funded roles may offer competitive pay but often lack benefits. Counselors must weigh their hourly rates against potential health insurance and retirement offerings when negotiating their contracts. Strategic negotiation can lead to better rates, particularly if a candidate demonstrates specialized skill sets that align with current district needs.
More salary data for Springfield, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Springfield in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Springfield?
Are school counselors in Springfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Springfield?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Springfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Springfield. 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 Springfield 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