# What is the average salary in Delaware?

Olivia Watson · August 4, 2026

> In 2024, the average salary for a Delaware state government employee was $59,958, which is 16.4% lower than the national average for government...

In 2024, the average salary for a Delaware state government employee was $59,958, which is 16.4% lower than the national average for government workers.

The median salary for Delaware state employees in 2024 was $46,138, indicating a significant gap between lower and higher earners.

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Data shows there are over 32,900 state employee records in Delaware as of 2024, a substantial workforce for the state's population.

Comparing to 2011 data, the average age of a Delaware state employee has increased from 46 to an estimated 49 years old in 2024.

The average length of service for Delaware state employees has grown from 12 years and 4 months in 2011 to around 14 years as of 2024.

In 2024, the State of Delaware paid over $2.6 billion in salaries to its more than 58,000 employees, including public school teachers, correctional officers, and judges.

Industry-specific data shows the highest paid careers in Delaware are in the Security and Fireguard fields, with average salaries around $240,000 as of 2024.

Gender pay gaps persist in Delaware, with men earning on average $92,900 compared to women earning $61,700, a difference of over 50%.

The most common salary in Delaware in 2024 is $37,000, indicating a large portion of the workforce earns below the state's average.

Delaware's average salary of $67,688 per year is 4.2% lower than the national average, suggesting the state lags behind the country in overall wage levels.

Wages in Delaware can vary significantly by occupation, with some highly specialized roles like software developers earning over $100,000 on average.

Between 2017 and 2024, the average Delaware state employee salary increased by 14.3%, outpacing the national inflation rate during that period.

Geographically, salaries in Wilmington, Delaware's largest city, tend to be higher than the statewide average due to the concentration of corporate headquarters and financial services jobs.

Delaware's lack of a state sales tax is often cited as a factor contributing to the state's relatively lower cost of living, which helps offset the below-average salaries.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on Delaware salaries, with some sectors like healthcare seeing increases while others like hospitality experienced declines.

Delaware's proximity to major East Coast metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

creates competition for talent, which can drive up salaries for certain in-demand roles.

Education levels play a significant role in Delaware wage disparities, with those holding advanced degrees earning 40-50% more than high school graduates on average.

The state government has implemented initiatives to attract and retain top talent, including offering competitive benefits packages and professional development programs.

Delaware's status as a corporate tax haven has helped attract businesses and high-earning individuals, but the impact on overall state wage levels is mixed.

Automation and technological advancements are expected to continue transforming Delaware's workforce, potentially leading to changes in the state's salary distribution in the coming years.

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