Entry-Level School Counselor Salary in Derry, NH: $48,642 (2026)
Quick Answer:New school counselors entering the Derry, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,642 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 21-1012, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derry's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,333 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,931) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the school counseling field in Derry, NH, can yield promising financial outcomes for new graduates. For those starting their careers in 2026, the entry-level school counselor salary in Derry is projected to be around $48,642, a figure that is notably lower than the median annual salary of $64,931 for the area. However, this initial pay can climb as new counselors gain experience, with many transitioning through the $53,376 mark as they establish themselves over the first few years in the profession. Considering the robust demand for school counselors, particularly in light of increased funding for mental health initiatives post-COVID, Derry appears to be a favorable market for entry-level candidates looking to make a solid start in their careers.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derry
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derry
Entry-level school counselors in Derry, NH typically start between $48,642 and $53,376 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,002 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,931 — 0.93% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average school counseling program cost in New Hampshire of $65,000 represents just 133.63% of the starting school counselor pay ($48,642/year) in Derry. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CACREP-accredited master's programs in school counseling. In-state public institutions are the lowest-cost option; private universities carry higher tuition. Totals reflect tuition and required fees; practicum and internship hours are typically unpaid and add opportunity cost. State licensure requirements may mandate additional coursework.
SC, LSC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Derry
- 1Research the Derry market: entry-level school counselor pay ranges from $48,642 to $53,376, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the school counseling field — employers in NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derry, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Derry for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derry's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
School Counselor Compensation Range
The school counselor wage spread in Derry is $52,002 ( 106.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,642, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,644.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,400
2025 BLS Actual
$47,665
2026 Current Est.
$48,642
2019–2027 Growth
+36.4%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,400 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,713 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,756 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,529 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,498 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,237 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,665 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,642 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,639 | Projected |
Entry-level school counselor compensation (10th percentile) in Derry, NH grew 30.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,400 in 2019 to $47,665 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,639. New graduates entering the Derry job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derry 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.
Starting Your school counseling Career in Derry
In Derry, several local employers actively recruit newly graduated school counselors, with public school districts being the primary source of opportunities. These positions typically follow a step-and-lane salary structure similar to that of teachers, ensuring consistency in pay as new hires accumulate experience. Credentialing plays a significant role in determining salary; holding a master’s degree from a CACREP-accredited program and obtaining state certification are essential for competitive positions. Additionally, the enduring counselor-to-student ratios, which stand well above the ASCA recommended 1:250, suggest a steady demand for counselors. Expect reasonable salary growth in the first three years, with the strong likelihood of transitioning from entry-level pay to higher brackets as skills and contributions to the school community deepen. As the field continues to evolve, new grads should remain proactive in seeking professional development and potentially pursuing further certifications, such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, to enhance their earning potential in NH.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new school counseling graduates. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Derry. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derry 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