School Counselor Salary in Newark, DE: $63,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Newark, DE earns a median $63,707/year (≈ $30.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Newark's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $62,642 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, Delaware, school counselors can expect a median annual salary of $63,707 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $64,335. This figure is within a salary range that extends from $46,128 at the 10th percentile to as high as $98,746 at the 90th percentile. Such estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost differences. In Newark, counselors typically follow the established K-12 step-and-lane salary scale, where placement varies depending on educational attainment, such as a master’s versus a master’s+30 degree. Given the state of Newark's job market, opportunities for school counselors continue to align with school district funding and the growing recognition of mental health support in education, making it a promising option for candidates.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,128 | $22.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,190 | $24.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,707 | $30.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,175 | $38.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,746 | $47.47 |
Median Salary Position
0.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, DE, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,618 (2026 est.). At $63,707, the local median is 0.98% below the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newark School Counselor Pay Compares
Newark median: $63,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $64,091 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | -0.98% less |
School Counselors in Newark, DE earn a median of $63,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.98% lower than the national median of $64,335 and 0.60% below the Delaware state average of $64,091.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,707 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $62,642 — a 1.67% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$55,353
2025 BLS Actual
$62,427
2026 Current Est.
$63,707
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,353 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,401 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,720 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,361 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,710 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,427 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,013 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $55,353 (2019) to $62,427 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,013 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,660 (17.45%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,128 – $51,190 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,190 – $63,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,707 – $80,175 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,175 – $98,746 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Newark
The local job market for school counselors in Newark employs approximately five professionals, indicating a compact field that could benefit from the post-COVID mental health initiative funding. With a cost-of-living index at 101.7, the purchasing power of school counselor salaries may be somewhat constrained, necessitating strategic planning when evaluating offers. Among local employers, K-12 public school districts are typically the predominant sources of employment, but those in charter school systems and post-secondary counseling roles may offer competitive pay as well. Variations in pay are influenced by factors like the step-and-lane pay scale, years of experience, educational advancements, and potential summer stipends. To maximize their earnings, aspiring counselors should consider enhancing their credentials, seeking opportunities to work in high-demand roles, and engaging in summer programs or leadership positions that offer additional compensation.
More salary data for Newark, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do school counselors make in Newark, DE in 2026?
Is Newark, DE a good place to work as a school counselor?
Can school counselors make $100K in Newark?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted school counselor salary in Newark?
How much does a school counselor make per hour in Newark?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Delaware
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,427 for school counselorsin the Newark metropolitan area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Newark 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