Dover vs Smyrna: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor salaries between Dover, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,627▲ | $59,402 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.87▲ | $28.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,704 | $45,523▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,184▲ | $49,317 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,697▲ | $74,460 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,148▲ | $90,678 |
| Total Employed | 350▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Dover and Smyrna is $15,225 (25.63%). Dover's median is +16.00% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $47,444,Smyrna spans $45,155. Dover has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dover ($76,535 effective) pays 31.03% more than Smyrna ($58,409 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,627/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,148)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,535)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Dover grew 15.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.1% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Dover, DE
$63,460 (2019) → $73,128 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$64,068 (2024) → $58,209 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Dover or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Dover to Smyrna as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Dover vs Smyrna?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov