School Counselor Hourly Pay in Bellflower, CA: $46.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Bellflower, CA runs $46.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,157 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Bellflower's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,693 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
School counselors in Bellflower, California, enjoy a competitive school counselor hourly pay of $46.23, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $30.93. This favorable rate positions local counselors considerably better, particularly those working part-time or in per-diem capacities. For example, a part-time counselor working three days a week typically manages to earn a substantial income while focusing on critical duties such as conducting guidance lessons, engaging in small group counseling at middle schools, or supporting individual students in high school and college counseling resource rooms. Hourly compensation ranges considerably in this profession, from $30.97 for entry-level positions (P10) to as much as $71.66 for experienced counselors at the top of the pay scale (P90). It is essential to note that these hourly rates are estimated based on annual salary data, reflecting the variety of roles that school counselors take on within different educational settings.
About the Bellflower Market
Salary estimated from California average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.97 | $247.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.23 | $297.82 |
| Median (P50) | $46.23 | $369.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.17 | $473.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.66 | $573.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellflower
Based on $46.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.23/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellflower, CA can expect to earn approximately $96,156 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,474. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellflower.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellflower
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,849.15 | $8,013 | $96,156 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,109.49 | $4,808 | $57,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $739.66 | $3,205 | $38,462 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Bellflower) | $46.23 |
| 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 Bellflower, CA earn a median of $96,157 per year (2026 est.), which is 49.46% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.60% below the California state average of $96,737.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.23/hr = $57,693/year (purchasing power: $51,011).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,156/year (purchasing power: $85,018).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Bellflower (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Bellflower grew 12.8% from $40.17/hr (2019) to $45.30/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.18/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 Bellflower 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 Bellflower
For those considering employment options in Bellflower, part-time positions present a unique opportunity. A school counselor working 24 hours a week might bring home an annual income significantly lower than a full-time counterpart, yet still maintain flexibility suited to their lifestyle. However, per-diem work, often more prevalent in private college counseling where professionals can charge between $150 to $400 per hour, offers a different financial incentive. Extended school year summer counseling can provide an additional $5,000 to $15,000 to a base salary, encouraging counselors to maximize their earning potential. Pay also varies by employer type; K-12 public school districts typically offer consistent internal step-and-lane pay structures, while private and charter schools may have differing pay scales. Many school counselors have to weigh the choice between higher hourly wages that lack benefits against lower hourly rates that come with traditional health insurance packages. For those engaged in hourly work, negotiation can be crucial — understanding local funding and demand for counseling services can empower counselors in Bellflower to advocate for rates that reflect their unique experience and expertise.
More salary data for Bellflower, CA:
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 Bellflower. 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 Bellflower 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