Engineering Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in Delaware

The median civil engineer salary in Delaware is $90,839 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$90,839
vs National
+$899
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for civil engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $90,839 per year, civil engineers in Delaware earn $899 more than the national median of $89,940.

Delaware's cost of living is near the national average at 101%, meaning civil engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $61,004, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $139,986 — a $78,982 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Delaware for this role is Wilmington, where the median reaches $94,437.

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for civil engineers across the country.

Civil Engineer Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $62,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,300 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,620
+$620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,900
+$900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,300
+$1,300 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $61,004
25th Percentile $73,932
Median (50th) $90,839
75th Percentile $115,140
90th Percentile $139,986

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for civil engineers in Delaware include Wilmington, Dover, Newark, and Middletown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Wilmington, DE
$94,437
Pop. 70,898 · COL 105%
Dover, DE
$86,342
Pop. 39,403 · COL 96%
Newark, DE
$91,739
Pop. 33,398 · COL 102%
Middletown, DE
$88,141
Pop. 22,350 · COL 98%
Bear, DE
$89,041
Pop. 21,000 · COL 99%

How to Become a Civil Engineer in Delaware

Education

Most civil engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Civil Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $40,461 over your career trajectory.

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Open to Civil Engineer Roles in Delaware?

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Delaware

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Delaware? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Delaware is $90,839 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $61,004 (10th percentile) to $139,986 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,839, a civil engineer in Delaware earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for civil engineers? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $62,620, while senior professionals earn $131,300.
How does Delaware compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. Delaware's median of $90,839 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($94,437) and Virginia ($93,538).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in Delaware earns approximately $62,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $90,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $131,300.
What city in Delaware pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for civil engineers, with a median salary of $94,437. Other cities include Dover and Newark.