Delaware Salaries 2025
Corporate capital with no sales tax advantage
Median Household Income
Delaware Salary Overview 2025
Delaware, despite being the second-smallest U.S. state, punches far above its weight economically. Known as the "Corporate Capital of America," more than 60% of Fortune 500 companies are incorporated in Delaware due to its business-friendly legal framework. This concentration of corporate headquarters, combined with thriving financial services, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries, drives median household income to $72,700—well above the national median.
The state's unique tax advantages include no sales tax, making it a shopping destination for residents of neighboring states and providing meaningful savings for Delaware workers. While the state does impose income tax (2.2-6.6%), the combination of no sales tax, moderate property taxes, and proximity to major job markets (Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C.) creates an attractive financial equation for workers.
Delaware's small size means most residents live within an hour of multiple major metros, enabling access to jobs across state lines while enjoying Delaware's tax benefits. The Wilmington area, in particular, offers Wall Street-level finance salaries with significantly lower living costs than New York City. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025 and average US salary.
Delaware Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Delaware | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $72,700 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $95,200 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $38,500 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $13.25/hr | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 (3% above avg) | 100 |
| Sales Tax | 0% | Varies by state |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 6.6% | Varies by state |
Salaries by Delaware Region
Wilmington – Finance & Corporate Hub
Median Household Income: $85,000
Wilmington serves as Delaware's economic engine and a major East Coast financial center. The city hosts credit card operations for Bank of America, Chase, Capital One, and Citibank—attracted by Delaware's favorable credit card laws. Financial services professionals earn competitive salaries: analysts $65,000-$95,000, managers $100,000-$150,000, directors $150,000-$250,000, executives $250,000-$500,000+.
The legal sector thrives on Delaware's corporate courts, particularly the Court of Chancery, which handles major business disputes. Corporate attorneys specializing in Delaware law command $150,000-$400,000+. The DuPont legacy continues through various chemical and materials science companies, offering engineering salaries of $80,000-$140,000.
Newark – University & Tech Corridor
Median Household Income: $65,000
Home to the University of Delaware, Newark offers a mix of academic, research, and corporate opportunities. The STAR Campus innovation hub houses tech startups, research facilities, and corporate partners. Faculty salaries range from $70,000 (assistant professors) to $180,000+ (senior faculty in business and engineering). Research positions offer $60,000-$120,000. The area's proximity to Philadelphia attracts commuters seeking Delaware's tax benefits.
Dover – State Capital
Median Household Income: $55,000
Dover's economy centers on state government, Dover Air Force Base, and regional healthcare. Government positions follow Delaware pay scales, competitive with federal GS rates. Military and civilian positions at the Air Force base range from $35,000 for entry-level to $100,000+ for senior civilian roles. Healthcare salaries at Bayhealth Medical Center are regionally competitive, with RNs earning $62,000-$85,000.
Beaches (Rehoboth, Lewes, Bethany)
Median Household Income: $58,000
Delaware's beach communities feature a seasonal economy with tourism, hospitality, and retirement services. Year-round residents often work in healthcare, construction, and real estate. Property values have surged as remote workers and retirees discover the tax-free shopping, beach access, and lower costs than comparable New Jersey shore communities. Real estate professionals can earn $80,000-$200,000+ in commission during strong markets.
| Region | Median Income | Cost of Living | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington Metro | $85,000 | 107 | Finance, Legal, Pharma |
| Newark | $65,000 | 102 | Education, Tech, Research |
| Dover | $55,000 | 95 | Government, Military, Healthcare |
| Beach Communities | $58,000 | 108 | Tourism, Real Estate, Retirement |
Top Paying Industries in Delaware
Financial Services & Banking
Delaware's credit card-friendly laws have made Wilmington a major banking center. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Capital One, Barclays, and numerous other financial institutions maintain significant operations. Salaries rival Wall Street for many positions: credit analysts $60,000-$100,000, risk managers $90,000-$150,000, compliance officers $80,000-$140,000, quantitative analysts $100,000-$200,000+.
Corporate Law
The Delaware Court of Chancery handles more corporate litigation than any other venue in America. This creates extraordinary demand for Delaware corporate attorneys. Associates at top firms start at $190,000-$215,000, with partners earning $400,000-$2,000,000+. Corporate transactional attorneys specializing in Delaware entities command premium rates nationally.
Pharmaceutical & Chemical
Delaware's chemical industry legacy (DuPont was founded here in 1802) continues through spin-offs and successors including Chemours, Corteva, and numerous biotech firms. AstraZeneca maintains significant operations near Wilmington. Scientists and engineers earn $75,000-$150,000, with research directors and executives earning $150,000-$350,000+.
Healthcare
ChristianaCare and Bayhealth lead Delaware's healthcare sector. Physician salaries range from $220,000 (primary care) to $450,000+ (specialists). Nurses earn $65,000-$90,000, with travel nurses and specialists commanding premiums. The aging population in beach communities drives demand for healthcare workers throughout southern Delaware.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corporate Law | $150,000 | $250,000 | $500,000+ |
| Banking/Finance | $60,000 | $100,000 | $180,000+ |
| Pharmaceutical | $70,000 | $110,000 | $160,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $220,000 | $300,000 | $450,000+ |
| Technology | $70,000 | $100,000 | $145,000+ |
Delaware Tax Analysis
Delaware's tax structure offers unique advantages, most notably zero sales tax. This creates significant savings on major purchases and everyday shopping, attracting consumers from neighboring states and benefiting Delaware residents daily.
State Income Tax Brackets (2025)
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $2,000 | 0% |
| $2,001 – $5,000 | 2.2% |
| $5,001 – $10,000 | 3.9% |
| $10,001 – $20,000 | 4.8% |
| $20,001 – $25,000 | 5.2% |
| $25,001 – $60,000 | 5.55% |
| $60,001+ | 6.6% |
No Sales Tax Advantage
Delaware's 0% sales tax provides meaningful annual savings. For a household spending $50,000 on taxable goods/services, the savings compared to neighboring states are substantial:
• vs. Pennsylvania (6%): $3,000/year savings
• vs. New Jersey (6.625%): $3,312/year savings
• vs. Maryland (6%): $3,000/year savings
Tax Burden Comparison
| Annual Salary | DE State Tax | Sales Tax Savings | Net Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | ~$2,900 | ~$2,000 | Moderate burden |
| $100,000 | ~$5,500 | ~$3,000 | Near neutral |
| $150,000 | ~$8,800 | ~$4,000 | Modest burden |
| $200,000 | ~$12,100 | ~$5,000 | Modest burden |
Property Tax
Delaware property taxes average 0.56% of home value—below the national average. Combined with no sales tax, this makes Delaware attractive for retirees and high-consumption households. However, property taxes vary significantly by county and school district.
Delaware Cost of Living Analysis
Delaware's cost of living index of 103 (3% above national average) masks significant regional variation. Northern Delaware (Wilmington area) costs reflect proximity to Philadelphia, while southern Delaware remains more affordable.
| Expense Category | Delaware | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 106 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $350,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,450 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 101 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 104 | 100 |
| Transportation Index | 102 | 100 |
| Healthcare Index | 100 | 100 |
Housing by Region
| Area | Median Home Price | Median Rent (2BR) | Housing Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington Suburbs | $425,000 | $1,700 | 118 |
| Newark | $340,000 | $1,500 | 108 |
| Dover | $280,000 | $1,200 | 92 |
| Beach Communities | $480,000 | $1,800 | 125 |
Commuter Advantage
Delaware residents frequently commute to Philadelphia, Baltimore, or even Washington D.C. for work while enjoying Delaware's tax benefits. Key considerations:
• Philadelphia: 30-45 minutes from Wilmington (Amtrak, SEPTA, or car)
• Baltimore: 60-75 minutes from northern Delaware
• Washington D.C.: 90-120 minutes from northern Delaware
Note: Working in another state may require paying that state's income tax, though Delaware residents receive credit for taxes paid to other states.
Highest Paying Jobs in Delaware 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Attorneys | $220,000 | $500,000+ |
| Physicians/Surgeons | $280,000 | $450,000+ |
| Investment Bankers | $175,000 | $350,000+ |
| Dentists | $185,000 | $290,000+ |
| IT Directors | $145,000 | $195,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $128,000 | $155,000+ |
| Financial Managers | $140,000 | $210,000+ |
| Chemical Engineers | $115,000 | $160,000+ |
| Nurse Practitioners | $112,000 | $140,000+ |
| Software Engineers | $105,000 | $150,000+ |
Delaware Minimum Wage 2025
Delaware's minimum wage of $13.25/hour (2025) significantly exceeds the federal minimum and reflects the state's higher cost of living in the Northeast corridor. The wage is scheduled to increase annually.
Minimum Wage Timeline
| Year | Minimum Wage | Annual Earnings (Full-time) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $13.25 | $27,560 |
| 2025 | $13.25 | $27,560 |
| 2026 | $15.00 (proposed) | $31,200 |
Market Wages Above Minimum
Most Delaware employers pay well above minimum wage due to competition and cost of living. Typical entry-level wages:
| Position | Typical Starting Wage |
|---|---|
| Retail | $14.00 – $17.00/hr |
| Fast Food | $13.50 – $15.00/hr |
| Warehouse/Logistics | $16.00 – $20.00/hr |
| Banking Entry-Level | $18.00 – $24.00/hr |
| Healthcare Support | $15.00 – $19.00/hr |
Delaware's Corporate Advantage
Delaware's business-friendly legal framework creates unique career opportunities, particularly in law and corporate services. Understanding why companies incorporate in Delaware helps explain the job market:
Why Companies Choose Delaware
Court of Chancery: Expert business court with judges (no juries) who specialize in corporate law, providing predictable outcomes and extensive legal precedent.
Business-Friendly Laws: Flexible corporate statutes allow rapid formation, easy amendments, and director-friendly protections.
Privacy: Delaware doesn't require disclosure of officer/director names in public filings.
No Corporate Tax (for some): Companies incorporated in Delaware but operating elsewhere pay no Delaware corporate tax.
Career Implications
This concentration of corporate activity creates exceptional opportunities in:
• Corporate law (transactional, litigation, compliance)
• Corporate services (registered agents, formation services)
• Financial services (especially credit card operations)
• Accounting and audit (serving corporate clients)
• Paralegal and legal support roles
Major employers include Corporation Service Company (CSC), CT Corporation, and law firms Morris James, Richards Layton & Finger, and Potter Anderson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delaware worth it for the no sales tax?
For high-consumption households, Delaware's no sales tax saves $2,000-$5,000+ annually. Combined with moderate income taxes and low property taxes, Delaware offers competitive overall tax burden. The benefit is most significant for retirees, high earners with substantial spending, and those making major purchases (cars, furniture, luxury goods).
How do Delaware finance salaries compare to New York?
Delaware finance salaries typically run 15-25% below Manhattan levels, but cost of living is 40-50% lower. A $150,000 Wilmington salary often provides better purchasing power than $200,000 in New York City. Senior roles and specialized positions (quantitative analysts, risk directors) can reach parity with NYC.
Can I work in Philadelphia and live in Delaware?
Yes, many professionals do. Wilmington to Philadelphia is 30-45 minutes by car, SEPTA, or Amtrak. You'll pay Pennsylvania income tax on wages earned there, but save on sales tax for Delaware purchases. The math often favors Delaware residence for high earners.
What's the job market like for lawyers in Delaware?
Exceptional for corporate law. Delaware's Court of Chancery handles cases affecting virtually every major public company. Corporate transactional work, M&A litigation, and corporate governance create sustained demand for attorneys. Entry barriers are high (top law schools preferred), but compensation matches NYC levels for top positions.
Is southern Delaware a good retirement destination?
Delaware's beaches offer compelling retirement value: no sales tax, moderate property taxes, beach access, and significantly lower costs than New Jersey or Maryland shore communities. Dover and inland areas provide even more affordable options. Healthcare access is good, though fewer specialized services than major metros.