Science & Research Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Physicist Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median physicist salary in Dover, DE is $146,333 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 5% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$146,333
vs State Avg
$-7,621
vs National
$-6,097
Cost of Living
96%

Physicist Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median physicist salary of $146,333, which is $7,621 below the Delaware state average of $153,954. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% 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 physicists in Dover spans from $74,880 at the 10th percentile to $228,480 at the 90th percentile — a $153,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,720, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $211,200. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Physicist Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level physicist earns around $78,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $211,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,720
$-3,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,800
$-6,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$211,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $74,880
25th Percentile $103,680
Median (50th) $146,333
75th Percentile $187,200
90th Percentile $228,480

Physicist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$160,052
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$155,479
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$150,906
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$149,381
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Physicist in Dover

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Dover and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Dover may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Dover

Browse open physicist positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Dover

How much does a Physicist make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median physicist salary in Dover, Delaware is $146,333 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $74,880 (10th percentile) to $228,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,333, a physicist in Dover earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for physicist pay? ▼
Dover's median physicist salary of $146,333 is 5% below the Delaware state average of $153,954. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $146,333 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Dover? ▼
Most physicist positions in Dover require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.