School Counselor Hourly Pay in Whitewater, WI: $28.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Whitewater, WI runs $28.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Whitewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,164 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Whitewater, Wisconsin, the projected school counselor hourly pay for 2026 stands at $28.18, which is notably less than the national median hourly rate of $30.93. This wage reflects the financial landscape available to part-time school counselors, who may work around three days a week, translating to about 24 hours on the job in various settings like elementary and high school environments. For those in entry-level positions, the hourly rate can start as low as $20.34, while more experienced counselors might earn as much as $43.67 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary estimates, provide insight into what both established and new counselors can expect within the profession in this region.
About the Whitewater 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) | $20.34 | $162.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.48 | $179.85 |
| Median (P50) | $28.18 | $225.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.46 | $275.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.67 | $349.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Whitewater
Based on $28.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.18/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Whitewater, WI can expect to earn approximately $58,606 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,811. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Whitewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Whitewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,127.04 | $4,884 | $58,606 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.22 | $2,930 | $35,164 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.82 | $1,954 | $23,442 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Whitewater) | $28.18 |
| 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 Whitewater, WI earn a median of $58,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.91% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $61,755.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.18/hr = $35,164/year (purchasing power: $37,648).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,606/year (purchasing power: $62,747).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Whitewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Whitewater grew 12.8% from $24.48/hr (2019) to $27.61/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.75/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 Whitewater 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 Whitewater
Part-time school counselors in Whitewater could potentially see a significant difference in earnings compared to full-time colleagues. When working three days a week, these counselors could earn around $43,865 annually, while full-time positions can be expected to yield over $58,605 per year. However, many counselors may seek per diem roles, where private college counselors in high-cost living areas can charge between $150 and $400 per hour. This alternative often comes with trade-offs, as those who work in K-12 schools may enjoy health benefits with lower hourly wages, while those in per diem positions may not have such offerings. Additionally, the hourly pay can fluctuate based on the employment setting, with public school districts typically adhering to a step-and-lane pay structure similar to that of teachers, while private and charter schools may offer varying rates. For counselors negotiating their pay in Whitewater, being aware of the local market and the differences in compensation based on school type can lead to more informed discussions.
More salary data for Whitewater, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Whitewater in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Whitewater?
Are school counselors in Whitewater paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Whitewater?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Whitewater?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Whitewater. 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 Whitewater 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