School Counselor Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $27.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Joliet, IL runs $27.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,354 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,412 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, the estimated school counselor hourly pay stands at $27.57. This figure places it approximately 10.85% below the national median hourly rate of $30.93. For those in part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to diverse daily settings, ranging from elementary guidance lessons to high school individual counseling. School counselors in Joliet can expect hourly compensation that varies significantly based on experience and specialization, with entry-level positions starting around $19.40 and top earners reaching up to $42.74. Understanding this pay dynamic is essential for aspiring and current school counselors as they navigate their career choices in both K-12 and college counseling environments.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.40 | $155.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.92 | $175.36 |
| Median (P50) | $27.57 | $220.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.30 | $282.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.74 | $341.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $27.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.57/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $57,354 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,089. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,102.96 | $4,779 | $57,354 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $661.77 | $2,868 | $34,412 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.18 | $1,912 | $22,941 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Joliet) | $27.57 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $57,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.85% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $57,700.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.57/hr = $34,412/year (purchasing power: $35,440).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,354/year (purchasing power: $59,067).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.14/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Joliet grew 12.8% from $23.96/hr (2019) to $27.02/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.14/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
Compensation models for school counselors vary widely in Joliet, particularly between district and independent roles. A counselor working part-time at 24 hours a week would earn about $34,321 annually, which is markedly lower than a full-time position, where salaries can exceed $57,354. The per diem school counselor pay in Joliet can further diverge, with some private college counselors charging anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour for direct services, especially in high-cost-of-living markets. Additionally, compensation structures across settings differ; K-12 public school districts typically follow a step-and-lane pay scale akin to that of teachers, offering stability and benefits that may appeal to some counselors. In contrast, agency or private practice roles may offer higher hourly pay without benefits, providing a compelling trade-off for experienced professionals. For local counselors negotiating their rates, it can be beneficial to assess the demands of their current roles and weigh the advantages of benefits versus higher hourly wages when considering shifts in employment.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Joliet in 2026?
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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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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