Chemical Engineer Salary in Delaware
Based on 370+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$133,670
$64.26/hr
vs National Average
$115,633
+15.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$87K – $177K
370 employed in Delaware
Chemical engineers in Delaware earn a median salary of $133,670 per year, positioning the state well above the national average. With approximately 370 chemical engineers employed in Delaware, the field represents a significant presence in the state's industrial and manufacturing sectors. This competitive compensation reflects the state's strong chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Chemical engineer salary in Delaware varies considerably based on experience, employer size, and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start around $86,810 annually, while experienced professionals can earn up to $176,650. Factors such as advanced degrees, industry certifications, years of experience, and the specific subsector—whether pharmaceutical, petrochemical, or manufacturing—significantly influence earning potential in this field.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $86,810 |
| 25th percentile | $106,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,670 |
| 75th percentile | $158,670 |
| 90th percentile | $176,650 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemical Engineers in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,180 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,720 | 1K |
| Construction | $131,190 | 400 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $130,810 | 650 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $125,990 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemical Engineer in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,180 |
| 2023 | $130,280 |
| 2024 | $131,330 |
| 2025 | $133,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,052 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Delaware Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $122,180 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $130,280 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $131,330 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $133,670 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,052 | $117,693 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $106,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $133,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $158,670 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $176,650 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Chemical Engineer Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Chemical Engineer ($133,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in DE | $181,190 | +35.6% | $87.11/hr |
| Materials Engineer in DE | $131,320 | -1.8% | $63.13/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DE | $126,970 | -5.0% | $61.04/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DE | $125,130 | -6.4% | $60.16/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DE | $120,190 | -10.1% | $57.78/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DE | $100,220 | -25.0% | $48.18/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in DE | $95,720 | -28.4% | $46.02/hr |
| Software Developer in DE | $133,020 | -0.5% | $63.95/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DE | $134,820 | +0.9% | $64.82/hr |
| Construction Manager in DE | $132,150 | -1.1% | $63.53/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in DE | $135,690 | +1.5% | $65.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DE | $131,040 | -2.0% | $63.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make in Delaware?
- Chemical engineers in Delaware earn a median salary of $133,670 per year, or approximately $64 per hour. This is 15.6% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in Delaware?
- Chemical engineer salaries in Delaware range from $86,810 at the lower end to $176,650 at the upper end, depending on experience and specific role.
Is Delaware a good state for chemical engineer salaries?
- Yes, Delaware offers competitive chemical engineer salaries, with the median at $133,670 annually—15.6% above the national average, making it an attractive location for professionals in this field.
How many chemical engineers are employed in Delaware?
- There are approximately 370 chemical engineers currently employed in Delaware, indicating a stable job market for this profession in the state.