Science & Research Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Environmental Scientist Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median environmental scientist salary in Wilmington, DE is $80,357 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$80,357
vs State Avg
+$3,062
vs National
+$3,827
Cost of Living
105%

Environmental Scientist Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median environmental scientist salary of $80,357, which is $3,062 above the Delaware state average of $77,295. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 environmental scientists in Wilmington spans from $50,400 at the 10th percentile to $132,300 at the 90th percentile — a $81,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $126,000. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Environmental Scientist Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $52,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,000 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)
$81,900
+$3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,000
+$6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $50,400
25th Percentile $61,950
Median (50th) $80,357
75th Percentile $103,950
90th Percentile $132,300

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$78,061
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$75,765
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$74,999
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$73,469
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Wilmington

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Wilmington, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $80,357 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $50,400 (10th percentile) to $132,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,357, a environmental scientist in Wilmington earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Wilmington's median environmental scientist salary of $80,357 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $77,295. 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 environmental scientist salary of $80,357 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Wilmington? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Wilmington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.