School Counselor Hourly Pay in Chicopee, MA: $37.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Chicopee, MA runs $37.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,066 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Chicopee's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,842 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, school counselors in Chicopee, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $37.53, significantly higher than the national median of $30.93. This competitive pay reflects the local demand for counseling services, particularly in educational settings such as elementary and high schools, where counselors engage in activities ranging from classroom guidance lessons to individual or small group sessions. For part-time or per-diem workers, such as those who serve three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into meaningful compensation while allowing for a flexible schedule. Entry-level counselors might start at $25.21 per hour, while top earners in the field, possibly engaged in specialized roles or with considerable experience, could achieve hourly rates up to $58.18. It's important to recognize that these figures are derived from annual salary data projected for 2026, offering a glimpse into the financial landscape for school counselors in Chicopee.
About the Chicopee Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.21 | $201.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.83 | $230.63 |
| Median (P50) | $37.53 | $300.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.91 | $383.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.18 | $465.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicopee
Based on $37.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.53/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicopee, MA can expect to earn approximately $78,071 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,041. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicopee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicopee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,501.36 | $6,506 | $78,071 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $900.82 | $3,904 | $46,842 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $600.54 | $2,602 | $31,228 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Chicopee) | $37.53 |
| 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 Chicopee, MA earn a median of $78,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.34% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 0.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $78,459.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.53/hr = $46,842/year (purchasing power: $43,173).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,071/year (purchasing power: $71,955).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Chicopee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Chicopee grew 12.8% from $32.61/hr (2019) to $36.78/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.30/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 Chicopee 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 Chicopee
Considering a part-time schedule, a school counselor working three days a week would average 24 hours, which results in a substantial annual income compared to working full-time. While full-time counselors benefit from a stable income and typically structured raises based on the K-12 step-and-lane pay system, part-time professionals can also carve out significant earnings, especially if they supplement their hours with per-diem opportunities. Per diem school counselor pay in Chicopee varies widely, with private college counselors charging rates between $150 to $400 per hour for specialized consulting services. Additionally, the high cost of living in many Massachusetts areas sometimes leads counselors to opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for the security of benefits like health insurance. When negotiating pay, it's crucial for hourly workers to factor in benefits and to understand the unique compensation packages available across different employer types, including K-12 public schools and private institutions. Overall, the hourly pay for school counselors in Chicopee reflects both the value of their work and the challenges of meeting the increasing mental health needs of students.
More salary data for Chicopee, MA:
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 Chicopee. 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 Chicopee 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