Creative & Education Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

College Professor Salary in Delaware

The median college professor salary in Delaware is $84,719 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $83,880.

Median Salary
$84,719
vs National
+$839
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

College Professor Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for college professor compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for college professor pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $84,719 per year, college professors in Delaware earn $839 more than the national median of $83,880.

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

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: college professors at the 10th percentile earn $45,450, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $169,680 — a $124,230 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 $88,074.

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for college professors across the country.

College Professor Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level college professor earns around $48,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $161,600 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,480
+$480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,860
+$860 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$161,600
+$1,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $45,450
25th Percentile $60,600
Median (50th) $84,719
75th Percentile $121,200
90th Percentile $169,680

College Professor Salary by City in Delaware

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

How to Become a College Professor in Delaware

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows College Professors who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $76,881 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Delaware

How much does a College Professor make in Delaware? ▼
The median college professor salary in Delaware is $84,719 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $45,450 (10th percentile) to $169,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,719, a college professor in Delaware earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for college professors? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for college professor pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level college professors earn $48,480, while senior professionals earn $161,600.
How does Delaware compare to other states for college professor salary? ▼
The highest paying state for college professors is Hawaii at $142,596. Delaware's median of $84,719 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($88,074) and Virginia ($87,235).
What is the entry-level college professor salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level college professor in Delaware earns approximately $48,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $86,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $161,600.
What city in Delaware pays college professors the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for college professors, with a median salary of $88,074. Other cities include Dover and Newark.