School Counselor Hourly Pay in Richland, WA: $43.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Richland, WA runs $43.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,761 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Richland's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,458 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richland, Washington, the projected school counselor hourly pay stands at $43.64 in 2026, reflecting a substantial premium over the national median of $30.93. This attractive pay rate enhances the profession's appeal for both part-time positions and per-diem roles. For instance, a school counselor working three days a week, which equates to about 24 hours, can anticipate a take-home amount that significantly boosts their financial sustainability in comparison to those in similar roles nationally. The hourly pay span in Richland ranges widely, from $30.41 for entry-level positions to $67.64 for seasoned professionals. This variability in compensation, drawn from annual salary estimates, suggests that school counselors can find lucrative opportunities depending on their experience, specialization, and the diverse settings where they provide support, including K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions.
About the Richland Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.41 | $243.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.35 | $274.80 |
| Median (P50) | $43.64 | $349.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.65 | $445.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.64 | $541.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richland
Based on $43.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.64/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richland, WA can expect to earn approximately $90,764 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,364. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Richland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,745.46 | $7,564 | $90,764 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,047.28 | $4,538 | $54,458 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $698.19 | $3,025 | $36,306 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Richland) | $43.64 |
| 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 Richland, WA earn a median of $90,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 41.08% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 9.30% above the Washington state average of $83,039.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.64/hr = $54,458/year (purchasing power: $50,706).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,764/year (purchasing power: $84,510).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Richland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Richland grew 12.8% from $37.91/hr (2019) to $42.76/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.53/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 Richland 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 Richland
Delving into the potential earnings for school counselors in Richland reveals interesting contrasts in employment types. A part-time counselor working 24 hours a week could take home around $52,735 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time counterparts who may earn upwards of $90,761 yearly. Additionally, per diem school counselor pay in Richland can vary notably, especially when considering private sector work where counselors might charge $150-$400 per hour for direct counseling services, particularly regarding college admissions. Understanding the differing hourly rates across employer types is crucial; K-12 public schools typically align with the K-12 step-and-lane structure, while private institutions and consulting roles present alternative compensation methods. School counselors may opt for lower hourly pays in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others might pursue higher-paying, benefit-less options to maximize earnings. Negotiating the best hourly pay involves highlighting relevant skills and flexibility in various school contexts, enhancing overall job satisfaction and income.
More salary data for Richland, WA:
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 Richland. 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 Richland 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