School Counselor Hourly Pay in Santee, CA: $46.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Santee, CA runs $46.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,405 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Santee's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,445 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Santee, California, the projected median school counselor hourly pay for 2026 is $46.83, significantly above the national hourly median of $30.93. This rate reflects the area's higher cost of living, allowing school counselors to enjoy a robust compensation structure. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a substantial income while affording flexibility in work-life balance. The hourly range varies widely, starting at approximately $32.36 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $72.59 for the more experienced counselors in the region. Hourly pay estimates are generated from annual salary data, which means they encapsulate the varying levels of experience and expertise expected within settings like elementary schools, middle and high school counseling offices, and college counseling services, making it a viable option for those seeking employment in Santee.
About the Santee 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) | $32.36 | $258.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.66 | $293.25 |
| Median (P50) | $46.83 | $374.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.94 | $479.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.59 | $580.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santee
Based on $46.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.83/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santee, CA can expect to earn approximately $97,408 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,197. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,873.23 | $8,117 | $97,408 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,123.94 | $4,870 | $58,445 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.29 | $3,247 | $38,963 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Santee) | $46.83 |
| 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 Santee, CA earn a median of $97,405 per year (2026 est.), which is 51.40% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.70% above the California state average of $96,728.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.83/hr = $58,445/year (purchasing power: $51,675).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,408/year (purchasing power: $86,126).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Santee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $43.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Santee grew 12.8% from $40.69/hr (2019) to $45.89/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.79/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 Santee 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 Santee
Looking more closely at the potential earnings for part-time counselors, a 24-hour workweek may yield an annual income that significantly differs from full-time roles, highlighting flexibility in earning potential. Per diem school counselor pay in Santee can vary, with some private college counselors charging between $150 and $400 per hour for specialized services. Extended school year opportunities also offer additional income, adding $5,000 to $15,000 to base earnings. These hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type, whether that be public K-12 schools, charter schools, or private institutions. While some counselors might opt for positions with lower hourly pay for the benefits, others might prefer opportunities with a higher rate but lack health insurance. For new counselors in Santee, negotiating based on the local demand for school counselors and the recent expansions in mental health funding is crucial. Understanding these dynamics can help position oneself favorably in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Santee, 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 Santee. 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 Santee 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