School Counselor Hourly Pay in Pinehurst, NC: $27.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Pinehurst, NC runs $27.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Pinehurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.3, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,298 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pinehurst, North Carolina, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $27.48 for 2026, which falls below the national median of $30.93. This rate provides valuable context for both full-time and part-time roles within education settings, ranging from elementary schools conducting guidance lessons to high school counselors offering individual support. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a flexible work schedule, appealing to those seeking balance without sacrificing their earning potential. The hourly range extends from $20.73 for entry-level positions to $34.77 for the highest earners, supporting a spectrum of experience and expertise in the role. These figures rely on extensive data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ensuring they reflect the current market conditions accurately.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.73 | $165.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.16 | $185.24 |
| Median (P50) | $27.48 | $219.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.43 | $235.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.77 | $278.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pinehurst
Based on $27.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.48/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pinehurst, NC can expect to earn approximately $57,163 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,978. With a cost-of-living index of 88.34 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pinehurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pinehurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,099.28 | $4,764 | $57,163 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $659.57 | $2,858 | $34,298 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.71 | $1,905 | $22,865 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Pinehurst) | $27.48 |
| 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 Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $57,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.14% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 1.70% above the North Carolina state average of $56,210.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.48/hr = $34,298/year (purchasing power: $38,826).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,163/year (purchasing power: $64,711).
CoL index: 88.336 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Pinehurst grew 12.8% from $23.88/hr (2019) to $26.93/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.05/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 Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst
When considering the financial implications of part-time versus full-time school counseling roles, a counselor working 24 hours per week in Pinehurst could anticipate an annual take-home pay significantly lower than that of a full-time counterpart. In many cases, part-time counselors may find themselves seeking additional income through per diem opportunities. While substitute school counselor positions are infrequently needed, those offering private college counseling can command rates of $150 to $400 per hour in high-cost-of-living regions. Additionally, working through the summer can augment base salaries by an extra $5,000 to $15,000. The various hourly rates reflect the different employer types in the area, which include K-12 public districts, charter schools, and private institutions. While some may accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for health benefits, others may pursue higher pay without them. For those negotiating their salaries, it’s essential to consider both the financial and benefits aspects to ensure they meet personal and professional needs adequately. Understanding the dynamics of school counselor hourly pay in Pinehurst allows individuals to make informed career choices within this vital profession.
More salary data for Pinehurst, NC:
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 Pinehurst. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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