School Counselor Hourly Pay in Bremerton, WA: $49.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Bremerton, WA runs $49.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,659 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Bremerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.6, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,591 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bremerton, Washington, the school counselor hourly pay reaches a notable median of $49.35, significantly exceeding the national average of $30.93. This elevated hourly rate creates appealing opportunities for both part-time professionals working three days a week and those in per-diem positions. Counselors often find work in various educational settings, such as providing guidance lessons in elementary classrooms, facilitating small group sessions in middle schools, or offering individual counseling in high school offices. Bremerton's hourly range extends from entry-level positions at $33.86 to experienced counselors earning up to $66.63 per hour. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics' projected data for 2026, highlight the growing demand and responsibility of counselors in supporting student mental health, particularly in the wake of post-COVID funding boosts.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.86 | $270.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.38 | $323.05 |
| Median (P50) | $49.35 | $394.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.16 | $497.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.63 | $533.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bremerton
Based on $49.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.35/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bremerton, WA can expect to earn approximately $102,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,222. With a cost-of-living index of 105.61 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bremerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bremerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,974.06 | $8,554 | $102,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,184.43 | $5,133 | $61,591 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $789.62 | $3,422 | $41,060 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Bremerton) | $49.35 |
| 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 Bremerton, WA earn a median of $102,659 per year (2026 est.), which is 59.57% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 23.60% above the Washington state average of $83,058.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.35/hr = $61,591/year (purchasing power: $58,320).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,651/year (purchasing power: $97,201).
CoL index: 105.607 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Bremerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Bremerton grew 52.4% from $31.74/hr (2019) to $48.36/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.36/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 Bremerton 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 Bremerton
For part-time school counselors, the earning potential can differ considerably compared to full-time roles. A professional working just three days a week (totaling 24 hours), could expect to take home a substantial income annually, albeit less than full-timers. Meanwhile, those considering per diem positions often see remuneration much higher—private college counselors, for instance, may bill $150-$400 per hour in high-cost living areas for specialized consultations. With the ongoing mental health crisis leading to increasing counselor hires, the hourly rates in Bremerton vary based on employer type, whether by school district, charter network, private institutions, or even Department of Defense Education Activity schools. Counselors frequently weigh the benefits of steady hourly pay against the need for health insurance, making negotiations crucial in securing favorable terms. Prospective hires are encouraged to evaluate both financial compensation and benefits package options carefully, understanding the dynamics of the local job market within Bremerton, WA.
More salary data for Bremerton, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Bremerton in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Bremerton?
Are school counselors in Bremerton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Bremerton?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Bremerton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Bremerton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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