School Counselor Hourly Pay in Smyrna, DE: $28.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a school counselor working in Smyrna, DE runs $28.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,402 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Weighted against Smyrna's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,648 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Smyrna, Delaware, school counselors earn a median hourly rate of $28.56, which positions them below the national median of $30.93. This difference may influence the earning potential for part-time workers, such as those taking roles 3 days a week, who could find fulfilling positions in various educational environments, including elementary classroom guidance, middle school small group counseling, and high school individual counseling offices. For entry-level school counselors, hourly pay starts at approximately $21.89, while experienced professionals may reach up to $43.60 per hour. It’s important to recognize that these figures are derived from annual salary data and reflect the broader trends affecting school counselor hourly pay in Smyrna, DE.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
School Counselor Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.89 | $175.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.71 | $189.65 |
| Median (P50) | $28.56 | $228.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.80 | $286.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.60 | $348.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Smyrna
Based on $28.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.56/hr, a school counselor working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Smyrna, DE can expect to earn approximately $59,413 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,277. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Smyrna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Smyrna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,142.55 | $4,951 | $59,413 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $685.53 | $2,971 | $35,648 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.02 | $1,980 | $23,765 |
Compare SC, LSC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| School Counselor (Smyrna) | $28.56 |
| 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 Smyrna, DE earn a median of $59,402 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.67% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $64,149.
School Counselor Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.56/hr = $35,648/year (purchasing power: $35,052).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,413/year (purchasing power: $58,420).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for School Counselors in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for school counselors in Smyrna grew 12.8% from $24.82/hr (2019) to $27.99/hr (2025). At a 2.05% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.15/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 Smyrna 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 Smyrna
For those considering a part-time role as a school counselor, working 24 hours each week may yield an annual income significantly lower than that of their full-time counterparts. Agency or per-diem roles can present alluring alternatives, as private college counseling rates span from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the service and demands of the market. Additionally, post-secondary counselors may incorporate summer counseling, leading to an added income of $5,000 to $15,000 annually. Different employer types in Smyrna contribute to varied hourly rates; for instance, K-12 public school districts typically follow a step-and-lane structure similar to teachers, while charter and private institutions might offer different compensation packages. Counselors may opt for positions with lower hourly rates if benefits such as health insurance are included. Negotiating hourly wages in Smyrna can be practical; emphasizing one’s credentials and negotiating benefits can create a balance between compensation and overall job satisfaction.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for school counselors in Smyrna in 2026?
How much do part-time school counselors make in Smyrna?
Are school counselors in Smyrna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time school counselor make per year in Smyrna?
Do school counselors earn more per hour working part-time in Smyrna?
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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 Smyrna. 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 Smyrna 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