School Counselor Hourly Pay in Montpelier, VT: $28.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Montpelier, VT runs $28.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,100 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Montpelier's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,055 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Montpelier, VT, the school counselor hourly pay is projected to be $28.89 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $30.93 per hour. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for part-time counselors working three days a week, as well as those engaged in per diem roles across various educational settings, including elementary classroom guidance lessons, middle school small group counseling, and high school individual counseling offices. The hourly range for school counselors in Montpelier is estimated from $21.86 at the entry-level to $43.86 for top earners, providing a spectrum that allows for both new and experienced professionals to find a fitting opportunity. Understanding how these hourly wages break down is essential for those considering part-time or per-diem work in the increasing demand created by expanding mental health initiatives following COVID-19.
About the Montpelier Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.86 | $174.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.13 | $185.08 |
| Median (P50) | $28.89 | $231.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.98 | $287.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.86 | $350.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montpelier
Based on $28.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.89/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montpelier, VT can expect to earn approximately $60,092 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,668. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Montpelier.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montpelier
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,155.61 | $5,008 | $60,092 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $693.37 | $3,005 | $36,055 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.25 | $2,003 | $24,037 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Montpelier) | $28.89 |
| 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 Montpelier, VT earn a median of $60,100 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.58% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 7.90% below the Vermont state average of $65,255.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.89/hr = $36,055/year (purchasing power: $34,836).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,092/year (purchasing power: $58,060).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Montpelier (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Montpelier grew 12.8% from $25.10/hr (2019) to $28.31/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.48/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 Montpelier 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 Montpelier
The potential annual earning for a part-time school counselor working a 24-hour week can vary significantly compared to a full-time position. While the hourly rate appears enticing, persisting K-12 step-and-lane structures can often disadvantage part-time workers. Per diem school counselor pay in Montpelier can be especially rewarding for professionals engaged in short-term assignments, with some private college counselors charging anywhere from $150 to $400 per hour for specialized services, reflecting the disparity in compensation models across different employer types. The trade-off between hourly pay and benefits can lead many school counselors to accept positions with lower hourly wages if those roles come with health insurance and retirement plans. Negotiating hourly rates effectively can hinge on understanding local market trends, being equipped with knowledge regarding pay structures across various educational environments, and emphasizing the importance of mental health support in schools, aligning with standards set by ASCA for optimal school counselor-to-student ratios.
More salary data for Montpelier, VT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Montpelier in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Montpelier?
Are school counselors in Montpelier paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Montpelier?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Montpelier?
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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 Montpelier. 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 Montpelier 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