School Counselor Hourly Pay in Mequon, WI: $27.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Mequon, WI runs $27.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Mequon's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,629 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Mequon, Wisconsin, the anticipated school counselor hourly pay is projected at $27.75 for 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national median hourly rate of $30.93. This discrepancy suggests that while school counseling can provide stable employment, salaried positions may not reach the financial heights found in other regions. For part-time counselors working three days a week, or those clocking in hourly for specific educational settings—whether running elementary guidance sessions, conducting middle school small groups, or facilitating high school one-on-one counseling—the pay can significantly affect financial planning. The hourly rate range for school counselors in Mequon spans from $21.55 for entry-level positions to $41.23 for experienced professionals, reflecting a range that allows for flexibility depending on expertise and educational setting.
About the Mequon Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.55 | $172.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.34 | $186.71 |
| Median (P50) | $27.75 | $221.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.00 | $272.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.23 | $329.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mequon
Based on $27.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.75/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mequon, WI can expect to earn approximately $57,715 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,297. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mequon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mequon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,109.90 | $4,810 | $57,715 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.94 | $2,886 | $34,629 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.96 | $1,924 | $23,086 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Mequon) | $27.75 |
| 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 Mequon, WI earn a median of $57,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.28% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 6.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,736.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.75/hr = $34,629/year (purchasing power: $37,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,715/year (purchasing power: $61,793).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Mequon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Mequon grew 12.8% from $24.11/hr (2019) to $27.19/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.32/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 Mequon 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 Mequon
Considering a part-time school counselor's earning potential, a professional working 24 hours per week would take home a different financial picture than a full-time peer. The actual income for counselors at this part-time schedule would approximate $43,465 annually, a figure much lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem opportunities can further enhance income, especially given the rates that private college counselors command, ranging from $150 to $400 per hour in high-cost-of-living markets. Public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions in Mequon may have distinct pay structures, influenced by their funding models. While full-time roles may offer the allure of health benefits, some counselors may prefer a higher hourly wage without benefits in exchange for greater flexibility. Negotiating within this framework is essential; knowing the school's budget and the counselor's own skill set can aid in achieving a fair hourly rate, especially in discussions around the expansion of mental health initiatives post-COVID.
More salary data for Mequon, WI:
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 Mequon. 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 Mequon 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