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School Counselor Salaries in Delaware — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

School Counselors in Delaware earn an average of $72,450 per year ($34.83/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 1,750 school counselors.

School Counselor salaries in Delaware are above the national average by approximately $7,730. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.

Access to major East Coast metros gives Delaware school counselors access to higher-paying employers.

Delaware School Counselor Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Delaware after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$72,450
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$55,403

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Delaware School Counselor Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Delaware median of $72,450.

Your annual salary ($)

School Counselor Salary by Experience — Delaware

Entry Level (0–2 years)$44,900/yr · $21.59/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Delaware.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$64,480/yr · $31.00/hr
Established professional working independently in Delaware. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$80,419/yr · $38.66/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Delaware.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$104,300+/yr · $50.14/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Delaware.
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School Counselor Salary Trend in Delaware — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Five-year wage growth for school counselors in Delaware: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Delaware's K-12 education.

2021
$63,611
2022
$67,306
+5.8%
2023
$70,421
+4.6%
2024
$71,580
+1.6%
2026
$72,450
+1.2%

School Counselor Salary by City — Delaware

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Wilmington$80,400$38.65+11.0%612
Dover$76,800$36.92+6.0%490
Newark$74,600$35.87+3.0%315
Middletown$69,550$33.44-4.0%157
Smyrna$65,950$31.71-9.0%105
Milford$63,050$30.31-13.0%70

Tip: Wilmington offers the highest school counselor salaries in Delaware at $80,400/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Delaware vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Delaware sits in the mid-range for school counselors.

Delaware — 6.6% state income tax$72,450 gross~$55,403 take-home
Pennsylvania — 3.07%$61,460 gross-15.2% vs DE
New Jersey — 10.75%$77,940 gross+7.6% vs DE
Maryland — 5.75%$74,970 gross+3.5% vs DE

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.

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School Counselor Job Outlook in Delaware

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,750Currently employed
175+New jobs projected

Employment for school counselors in Delaware is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Delaware job market. Access to major East Coast metros gives Delaware school counselors access to higher-paying employers.

How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Delaware

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Delaware typically adds $59,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Wilmington pays school counselors $80,400/yr — +11.0% above the Delaware average. Simply relocating within Delaware can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. School Counselors who specialise in K-12 education typically command premium rates in Delaware. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Pennsylvania pays school counselors $61,460/yr — -15.2% vs Delaware.

Find School Counselor Jobs in Delaware

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average school counselor salary in Delaware?
The average school counselor salary in Delaware is $72,450 per year, or $34.83 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $44,900 while experienced professionals earn $104,300 or more.
Which Delaware city has the highest school counselor salary?
Wilmington pays school counselors the most in Delaware at an average of $80,400 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is school counselor pay in Delaware above or below the US average?
Delaware school counselor salaries are above the calculated national average by approximately $7,730. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
What's the after-tax salary for school counselors in Delaware?
A school counselor earning the Delaware average of $72,450 takes home approximately $55,403 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
Should you become a school counselor in Delaware?
Yes. School Counselor is a strong career choice in Delaware with steady demand projected over the next decade. Access to major East Coast metros gives Delaware school counselors access to higher-paying employers.
How do you get a school counselor licence in Delaware?
In Delaware, school counselors are licensed through the State Department of Education. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Department of Education for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.