Business & Finance Delaware (DE) Rank #14 of 50

Economist Salary in Delaware

The median economist salary in Delaware is $120,776 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $113,940.

Median Salary
$120,776
vs National
+$6,836
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Economist Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #14 out of 50 states for economist compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for economist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $120,776 per year, economists in Delaware earn $6,836 more than the national median of $113,940.

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

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: economists at the 10th percentile earn $65,720, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $209,880 — a $144,160 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 $125,334.

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for economists across the country.

Economist Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level economist earns around $68,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $196,100 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,900
+$6,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$196,100
+$11,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $65,720
25th Percentile $86,920
Median (50th) $120,776
75th Percentile $164,300
90th Percentile $209,880

Economist Salary by City in Delaware

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

How to Become a Economist in Delaware

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Delaware has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Delaware

How much does a Economist make in Delaware? ▼
The median economist salary in Delaware is $120,776 per year, which is 6.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $65,720 (10th percentile) to $209,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,776, a economist in Delaware earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for economists? ▼
Delaware ranks #14 out of 50 states for economist pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level economists earn $68,900, while senior professionals earn $196,100.
How does Delaware compare to other states for economist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for economists is Hawaii at $193,698. Delaware's median of $120,776 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($121,916) and Rhode Island ($121,916).
What is the entry-level economist salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level economist in Delaware earns approximately $68,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $121,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $196,100.
What city in Delaware pays economists the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for economists, with a median salary of $125,334. Other cities include Dover and Newark.