Delaware salaries by occupation
The median worker in Delaware earned $51,030 a year in 2024, about $24.53 an hour, 3.1% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 376 occupations.
Median pay $51,030 $24.53 per hour
Vs national median +3.1% U.S. $49,500
Workers 476,450 wage and salary
Occupations reported 376 with at least 100 employed
What Delaware is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | 13.23× | 5,770 | $34,060 |
| Financial Risk Specialists | 7.33× | 1,280 | $130,060 |
| Financial Specialists, All Other | 5.31× | 2,090 | $79,590 |
| Chemists | 4.6× | 1,180 | $125,430 |
| Chemical Technicians | 3.5× | 600 | $64,930 |
| Database Administrators | 3.23× | 730 | $100,240 |
| Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service | 3.21× | 620 | $35,930 |
| Credit Analysts | 3.04× | 630 | $99,030 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | 2.99× | 3,140 | $99,170 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | 2.8× | 6,980 | $60,030 |
Metro areas in Delaware
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 2 Delaware metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington | $51,760 | $24.89 | 2,868,720 | #53 |
| Dover | $45,190 | $21.73 | 68,450 | #252 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $235,960 | $113.44 | 640 | #4 of 23 |
| Physicians, All Other | $232,180 | $111.62 | 1,100 | #5 of 18 |
| Dentists, General | $224,690 | $108.02 | 360 | #3 of 46 |
| Pediatricians, General | $211,340 | $101.60 | 250 | #12 of 37 |
| Sales Managers | $201,090 | $96.68 | 1,070 | #2 of 50 |
| Chief Executives | $190,460 | $91.57 | 440 | #13 of 33 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $180,960 | $87.00 | 1,610 | #8 of 49 |
| Financial Managers | $180,050 | $86.56 | 2,800 | #5 of 51 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $173,910 | $83.61 | 430 | #8 of 49 |
| Lawyers | $172,710 | $83.03 | 2,970 | #5 of 49 |
| Managers, All Other | $170,310 | $81.88 | 1,170 | #4 of 49 |
| Sales Engineers | $166,400 | $80.00 | 100 | #2 of 35 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 13,800 | $30,210 | $14.52 |
| Retail Salespersons | 13,470 | $34,200 | $16.44 |
| Registered Nurses | 13,260 | $92,610 | $44.53 |
| Cashiers | 11,880 | $30,920 | $14.87 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 9,750 | $31,760 | $15.27 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 8,910 | $34,560 | $16.61 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 8,220 | $38,630 | $18.57 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 8,040 | $33,750 | $16.23 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 7,360 | $46,300 | $22.26 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | 6,980 | $60,030 | $28.86 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Delaware
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Office and administrative support 39
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $78,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $73,020
- Brokerage Clerks $66,400
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $63,740
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $61,640
- Postal Service Clerks $60,740
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $58,870
- Financial Clerks, All Other $58,130
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $57,690
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,660
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $52,450
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $51,770
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $51,590
- Billing and Posting Clerks $50,960
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $50,860
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $50,490
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $50,410
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $48,090
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $47,000
- New Accounts Clerks $46,940
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $46,710
- Bill and Account Collectors $46,660
- Customer Service Representatives $46,300
- Procurement Clerks $44,710
- Tellers $43,660
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $43,190
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $41,840
- Office Clerks, General $41,600
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $40,440
- Order Clerks $39,770
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $39,750
- Couriers and Messengers $37,560
- Data Entry Keyers $37,190
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $36,930
- Library Assistants, Clerical $36,010
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $35,930
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $35,820
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $35,420
Healthcare practitioners 30
- Family Medicine Physicians $235,960
- Physicians, All Other $232,180
- Dentists, General $224,690
- Pediatricians, General $211,340
- Pharmacists $140,470
- Physician Assistants $138,720
- Optometrists $137,910
- Nurse Practitioners $127,810
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $106,070
- Physical Therapists $103,120
- Dental Hygienists $99,720
- Occupational Therapists $96,080
- Registered Nurses $92,610
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $87,840
- Respiratory Therapists $87,380
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $84,570
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $79,550
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $71,140
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $67,040
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $66,090
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $64,860
- Surgical Technologists $62,230
- Paramedics $62,040
- Medical Records Specialists $52,020
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $47,100
- Emergency Medical Technicians $45,310
- Pharmacy Technicians $43,470
- Opticians, Dispensing $40,400
- Dietetic Technicians $39,840
- Psychiatric Technicians $37,020
Production 28
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $77,390
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $61,070
- Machinists $60,320
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $59,960
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $56,510
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $53,110
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,410
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $47,670
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,350
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $47,210
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $47,170
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $46,690
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,270
- Printing Press Operators $45,910
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,360
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,230
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $43,910
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,170
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $38,660
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $38,580
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $37,890
- Bakers $37,370
- Helpers--Production Workers $37,300
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $36,570
- Food Batchmakers $36,340
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $34,060
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $32,250
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $29,220
Education and library 27
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $104,830
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $94,700
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $83,420
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $81,350
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $80,820
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,850
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $78,300
- Instructional Coordinators $77,180
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $76,930
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $75,550
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $75,420
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $74,110
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $66,390
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $65,910
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $65,120
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $64,930
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $64,690
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $63,770
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $63,010
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $62,450
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $60,950
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $58,990
- Library Technicians $46,820
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $42,220
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $36,760
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $31,380
- Tutors $31,200
Business and financial 26
- Financial Risk Specialists $130,060
- Personal Financial Advisors $128,170
- Project Management Specialists $114,310
- Financial and Investment Analysts $99,170
- Credit Analysts $99,030
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $98,650
- Management Analysts $97,030
- Financial Examiners $95,350
- Labor Relations Specialists $91,910
- Logisticians $89,840
- Compliance Officers $88,450
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $87,710
- Accountants and Auditors $84,560
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $82,640
- Loan Officers $80,760
- Budget Analysts $80,670
- Financial Specialists, All Other $79,590
- Training and Development Specialists $79,320
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $79,220
- Cost Estimators $75,390
- Human Resources Specialists $72,670
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $68,600
- Fundraisers $67,560
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $57,040
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $54,230
- Tax Preparers $42,110
Installation, maintenance and repair 25
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $87,460
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $85,000
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $84,030
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $83,200
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $82,150
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $81,580
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $65,560
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $64,950
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $63,770
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $61,660
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $61,020
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $60,820
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $59,940
- Home Appliance Repairers $52,000
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $50,520
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $50,350
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $50,290
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $49,930
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $49,130
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $48,550
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $48,470
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $47,930
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $47,370
- Tire Repairers and Changers $43,920
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $37,440
Management 22
- Sales Managers $201,090
- Chief Executives $190,460
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $180,960
- Financial Managers $180,050
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $173,910
- Managers, All Other $170,310
- Public Relations Managers $154,200
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $150,590
- Human Resources Managers $145,630
- Industrial Production Managers $142,790
- Administrative Services Managers $138,410
- General and Operations Managers $136,900
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $135,610
- Construction Managers $135,200
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $129,890
- Facilities Managers $129,540
- Fundraising Managers $126,710
- Food Service Managers $76,210
- Lodging Managers $74,910
- Social and Community Service Managers $73,710
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $63,950
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $61,190
Construction and extraction 21
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $81,170
- Construction and Building Inspectors $64,990
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $64,300
- Sheet Metal Workers $63,850
- Electricians $62,970
- Carpenters $61,100
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $59,390
- Roofers $59,280
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $58,410
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $58,330
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $56,630
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $55,770
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $53,300
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $52,450
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $50,840
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $48,000
- Construction Laborers $45,590
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $45,280
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $42,800
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $36,800
- Helpers--Carpenters $32,610
Personal care and service 16
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $60,500
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $51,820
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $46,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $45,540
- Funeral Attendants $45,140
- Gambling Dealers $43,420
- Residential Advisors $34,390
- Recreation Workers $31,190
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $30,980
- Animal Caretakers $30,460
- Childcare Workers $30,060
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $29,680
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $29,270
- Tour and Travel Guides $29,050
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $28,480
- Shampooers $27,670
Transport and material moving 16
- Commercial Pilots $155,640
- Locomotive Engineers $82,920
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $63,100
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $60,030
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $58,510
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $52,770
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $46,950
- Bus Drivers, School $44,360
- Light Truck Drivers $42,550
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $39,500
- Stockers and Order Fillers $38,630
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $38,330
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $35,250
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $35,230
- Parking Attendants $32,440
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $31,620
Sales 15
- Sales Engineers $166,400
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $101,990
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $97,560
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $79,800
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $73,770
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $65,900
- Insurance Sales Agents $59,910
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $58,250
- Advertising Sales Agents $57,810
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $51,330
- Real Estate Sales Agents $48,450
- Counter and Rental Clerks $37,770
- Parts Salespersons $35,870
- Retail Salespersons $34,200
- Cashiers $30,920
Life, physical and social science 14
- Chemists $125,430
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $109,120
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $101,120
- Materials Scientists $98,020
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $97,640
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $85,820
- School Psychologists $80,290
- Microbiologists $75,720
- Urban and Regional Planners $66,410
- Chemical Technicians $64,930
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $62,780
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $59,770
- Biological Technicians $55,740
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $42,680
Computing and mathematics 13
- Software Developers $135,160
- Information Security Analysts $134,050
- Computer Occupations, All Other $132,670
- Computer Network Architects $127,970
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $106,020
- Computer Systems Analysts $104,070
- Operations Research Analysts $101,210
- Computer Programmers $100,700
- Database Administrators $100,240
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $96,090
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $71,490
- Computer User Support Specialists $62,280
- Computer Network Support Specialists $61,740
Architecture and engineering 13
- Chemical Engineers $131,330
- Industrial Engineers $118,670
- Electrical Engineers $111,720
- Mechanical Engineers $106,020
- Civil Engineers $99,820
- Environmental Engineers $99,820
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $97,570
- Engineers, All Other $85,530
- Mechanical Drafters $63,560
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $62,230
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $61,060
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $56,880
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $48,860
Community and social service 13
- Social Workers, All Other $91,710
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $75,810
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $72,450
- Marriage and Family Therapists $63,360
- Healthcare Social Workers $62,730
- Health Education Specialists $61,800
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $57,620
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $54,230
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $49,680
- Community Health Workers $46,890
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $46,170
- Rehabilitation Counselors $44,260
- Social and Human Service Assistants $40,870
Healthcare support 13
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $72,550
- Physical Therapist Assistants $63,410
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $57,200
- Medical Equipment Preparers $52,080
- Phlebotomists $46,340
- Dental Assistants $46,090
- Orderlies $42,440
- Medical Assistants $41,830
- Nursing Assistants $39,240
- Pharmacy Aides $36,470
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $36,060
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $31,760
- Physical Therapist Aides $29,640
Food preparation and serving 13
- Chefs and Head Cooks $65,290
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $48,700
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $43,490
- Cooks, Restaurant $36,820
- Bartenders $36,420
- Waiters and Waitresses $33,750
- Food Preparation Workers $33,280
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $31,690
- Dishwashers $31,260
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $30,210
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $29,280
- Cooks, Fast Food $28,950
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $28,130
Protective service 12
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $120,080
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $83,230
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $79,960
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $66,390
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $61,000
- Private Detectives and Investigators $49,400
- Firefighters $48,060
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $38,100
- Security Guards $37,690
- School Bus Monitors $37,560
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $36,120
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $30,920
Arts, design, entertainment and media 8
Legal 5
Building and grounds maintenance 5
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $65,210
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $49,730
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $37,040
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $34,560
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $31,200
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Delaware?
The median across all occupations is $51,030 a year, or $24.53 an hour, covering 476,450 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Delaware?
Family Medicine Physicians ($235,960), Physicians, All Other ($232,180), Dentists, General ($224,690) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Delaware employ the most people in?
Fast Food and Counter Workers, with 13,800 employed at a median of $30,210. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Delaware electricity averages 19.38¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.