Engineering Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Delaware

The median mechanical engineer salary in Delaware is $97,273 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $96,310.

Median Salary
$97,273
vs National
+$963
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Mechanical Engineer Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for mechanical engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $97,273 per year, mechanical engineers in Delaware earn $963 more than the national median of $96,310.

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

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: mechanical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $64,034, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $147,662 — a $83,628 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 $101,126.

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for mechanical engineers across the country.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $65,650, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,380 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,650
+$650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$96,960
+$960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,380
+$1,380 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $64,034
25th Percentile $79,588
Median (50th) $97,273
75th Percentile $120,796
90th Percentile $147,662

Mechanical Engineer Salary by City in Delaware

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

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Delaware

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Delaware? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Delaware is $97,273 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $64,034 (10th percentile) to $147,662 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $97,273, a mechanical engineer in Delaware earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for mechanical engineers? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for mechanical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level mechanical engineers earn $65,650, while senior professionals earn $139,380.
How does Delaware compare to other states for mechanical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for mechanical engineers is Hawaii at $163,727. Delaware's median of $97,273 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($101,126) and Virginia ($100,162).
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level mechanical engineer in Delaware earns approximately $65,650 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $96,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $139,380.
What city in Delaware pays mechanical engineers the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for mechanical engineers, with a median salary of $101,126. Other cities include Dover and Newark.