Science & Research Delaware (DE) Rank #15 of 50

Physicist Salary in Delaware

The median physicist salary in Delaware is $153,954 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary
$153,954
vs National
+$1,524
State Rank
#15 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Physicist Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for physicist compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for physicist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $153,954 per year, physicists in Delaware earn $1,524 more than the national median of $152,430.

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

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: physicists at the 10th percentile earn $78,780, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $240,380 — a $161,600 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 $160,052.

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

Physicist Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level physicist earns around $82,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $222,200 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$82,820
+$820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$156,550
+$1,550 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$222,200
+$2,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $78,780
25th Percentile $109,080
Median (50th) $153,954
75th Percentile $196,950
90th Percentile $240,380

Physicist Salary by City in Delaware

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

Wilmington, DE
$160,052
Pop. 70,898 · COL 105%
Dover, DE
$146,333
Pop. 39,403 · COL 96%
Newark, DE
$155,479
Pop. 33,398 · COL 102%
Middletown, DE
$149,381
Pop. 22,350 · COL 98%
Bear, DE
$150,906
Pop. 21,000 · COL 99%

How to Become a Physicist in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, physicist 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 Physicists who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $68,246 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Delaware

How much does a Physicist make in Delaware? ▼
The median physicist salary in Delaware is $153,954 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $78,780 (10th percentile) to $240,380 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $153,954, a physicist in Delaware earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for physicists? ▼
Delaware ranks #15 out of 50 states for physicist pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level physicists earn $82,820, while senior professionals earn $222,200.
How does Delaware compare to other states for physicist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physicists is Hawaii at $259,131. Delaware's median of $153,954 ranks #15 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($160,052) and Virginia ($158,527).
What is the entry-level physicist salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level physicist in Delaware earns approximately $82,820 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $156,550. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $222,200.
What city in Delaware pays physicists the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for physicists, with a median salary of $160,052. Other cities include Dover and Newark.