Technology Delaware (DE) Rank #16 of 50

Software Engineer Salary in Delaware

The median software engineer salary in Delaware is $125,442 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $124,200.

Median Salary
$125,442
vs National
+$1,242
State Rank
#16 of 50
Cost of Living
101%

Software Engineer Salary Overview in Delaware (2026)

Delaware ranks #16 out of 50 states for software engineer compensation. Delaware falls in the middle of the pack for software engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $125,442 per year, software engineers in Delaware earn $1,242 more than the national median of $124,200.

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

The salary spread in Delaware is significant: software engineers at the 10th percentile earn $75,346, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $200,566 — a $125,220 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 $130,410.

Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Delaware and beyond.

Software Engineer Salary in Delaware by Experience

In Delaware, an entry-level software engineer earns around $78,780, while experienced professionals earn up to $186,850 per year. The cost of living index in Delaware is 101% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,780
+$780 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,250
+$1,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$186,850
+$1,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Delaware

Percentile DE Salary
10th Percentile $75,346
25th Percentile $99,182
Median (50th) $125,442
75th Percentile $159,782
90th Percentile $200,566

Software Engineer Salary by City in Delaware

The largest employment areas for software 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 Software Engineer in Delaware

Education

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

Key Skills

PythonJavaScriptSQLGitCloud PlatformsSystem Design

Job Outlook in Delaware

Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Delaware's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer Salary in Delaware

How much does a Software Engineer make in Delaware? ▼
The median software engineer salary in Delaware is $125,442 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $124,200. Salaries range from $75,346 (10th percentile) to $200,566 (90th percentile).
How much does a Software Engineer make per hour in Delaware? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,442, a software engineer in Delaware earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Delaware a good state for software engineers? ▼
Delaware ranks #16 out of 50 states for software engineer pay. The cost of living index is 101% of the national average. Entry-level software engineers earn $78,780, while senior professionals earn $186,850.
How does Delaware compare to other states for software engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for software engineers is Hawaii at $204,930. Delaware's median of $125,442 ranks #16 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Rhode Island ($131,652) and Utah ($126,684).
What is the entry-level software engineer salary in Delaware? ▼
An entry-level software engineer in Delaware earns approximately $78,780 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $126,250. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $186,850.
What city in Delaware pays software engineers the most? ▼
Wilmington is the highest paying city in Delaware for software engineers, with a median salary of $130,410. Other cities include Dover and Newark.