Science & Research Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Chemist Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median chemist salary in Wilmington, DE is $86,930 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$86,930
vs State Avg
+$3,312
vs National
+$4,140
Cost of Living
105%

Chemist Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median chemist salary of $86,930, which is $3,312 above the Delaware state average of $83,618. Compared to the national median of $82,790, Wilmington pays above average for this role.

Wilmington's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chemists in Wilmington spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $149,100 at the 90th percentile — a $98,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,500, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $141,750. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemist Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level chemist earns around $52,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $141,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,500
+$2,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
+$4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$141,750
+$6,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $65,100
Median (50th) $86,930
75th Percentile $114,450
90th Percentile $149,100

Chemist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$84,446
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$81,962
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$81,134
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$79,478
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Chemist in Wilmington

Education

Most chemist positions require a bachelor's degree. Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open chemist positions in Wilmington, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Chemist make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median chemist salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $86,930 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $149,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,930, a chemist in Wilmington earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for chemist pay? ▼
Wilmington's median chemist salary of $86,930 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $83,618. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE? ▼
Wilmington has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $86,930 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Wilmington? ▼
Most chemist positions in Wilmington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.