School Counselor Hourly Pay in Suffolk, VA: $29.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Suffolk, VA runs $29.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,273 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Suffolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,367 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, the projected school counselor hourly pay for 2026 is set at $29.94, which is slightly lower than the national median hourly rate of $30.93. This difference reflects not just regional salary dynamics, but also the varying demands of different educational environments. For part-time counselors, working three days a week would yield approximately $47,912 annually, allowing them to engage in meaningful roles across various school settings, including elementary classroom guidance, middle school group counseling, high school individual sessions, or crisis team coordination. The hourly range in Suffolk starts from $21.93 for entry-level positions (P10) and extends up to $46.40 for experienced professionals (P90). These figures are derived using estimates based on annual salary data, providing insight into the range of earnings potential in this field.
About the Suffolk 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) | $21.93 | $175.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.37 | $194.96 |
| Median (P50) | $29.94 | $239.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.84 | $302.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.40 | $371.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Suffolk
Based on $29.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.94/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Suffolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $62,278 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,930. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Suffolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Suffolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,197.66 | $5,190 | $62,278 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $718.60 | $3,114 | $37,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.06 | $2,076 | $24,911 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Suffolk) | $29.94 |
| 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 Suffolk, VA earn a median of $62,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.21% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $63,350.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.94/hr = $37,367/year (purchasing power: $36,208).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,278/year (purchasing power: $60,347).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Suffolk grew 12.8% from $26.02/hr (2019) to $29.34/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.56/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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk
Examining the earning potential in more detail reveals significant variations, particularly for part-time school counselors in Suffolk. A counselor working 24 hours per week would receive a steady income but may also miss out on benefits that are often tied to full-time positions. The per-diem reality for school counselors can be lucrative; while K-12 public schools may offer lower hourly wages, private colleges can charge $150-$400 per hour for consulting services, especially in high-cost-of-living areas. Some counselors choose roles in distinct environments, such as charter schools, DoDEA schools overseas, or even summer counseling positions that can result in additional income ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. While higher hourly rates may appeal, they often come without benefits, leading to a complex trade-off. Counselors in Suffolk might also find themselves in negotiation situations; understanding the average pay for their sector can help them advocate for better compensation and health plans, particularly in light of increased funding and hiring in response to the post-COVID mental health crisis.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Suffolk in 2026?
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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 Suffolk. 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 Suffolk 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