School Counselor Hourly Pay in Somerville, MA: $38.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Somerville, MA runs $38.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,533 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Somerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,721 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Somerville, Massachusetts, the projected school counselor hourly pay reflects a robust market, with a median rate of $38.24. This amount surpasses the national average of $30.93, showcasing the city's competitive compensation for this essential role. For those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem work, this hourly rate can translate into flexible options across various settings such as elementary classroom guidance sessions, middle school group counseling, and high school individual counseling offices. Entry-level positions may start at around $26.83, while experienced counselors can earn up to $59.27 per hour, indicating a substantial potential for income growth based on experience and specialization.
About the Somerville 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) | $26.83 | $214.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.24 | $241.90 |
| Median (P50) | $38.24 | $305.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.84 | $390.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.27 | $474.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Somerville
Based on $38.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.24/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Somerville, MA can expect to earn approximately $79,535 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,886. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Somerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Somerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,529.53 | $6,628 | $79,535 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $917.72 | $3,977 | $47,721 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $611.81 | $2,651 | $31,814 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Somerville) | $38.24 |
| 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 Somerville, MA earn a median of $79,533 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.62% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $78,435.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.24/hr = $47,721/year (purchasing power: $43,983).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,535/year (purchasing power: $73,304).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Somerville grew 12.8% from $33.22/hr (2019) to $37.47/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.02/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 Somerville 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 Somerville
Considering the financial implications of part-time work, a school counselor employed three days a week for 24 hours could expect to take home approximately $59,964 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem school counselors in Somerville, particularly those offering specialized services, can see pay rates between $150 and $400 per hour, positioning them favorably in high-cost living areas. Different employment environments, from K-12 public schools to private institutions and post-secondary settings, impact hourly earnings, with public school positions typically offering lower rates but enhanced benefit packages. Many school counselors opt for roles with traditional benefits, opting for stability over potentially higher hourly pay without insurance. For negotiating hourly rates, counselors should leverage their qualifications, such as CACREP accreditation, and industry demand, particularly in the wake of increased mental health funding, to secure competitive compensation.
More salary data for Somerville, 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 Somerville. 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 Somerville 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