Chemist Salary in Delaware
Based on 1K+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$129,860
$62.43/hr
vs National Average
$92,010
+41.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$81K – $170K
1K employed in Delaware
Chemist salary in Delaware averages $129,860 per year, positioning the state as a particularly lucrative market for chemistry professionals. This median salary sits 41% above the national average, reflecting Delaware's strong chemical and pharmaceutical industry presence. With approximately 1,200 chemists employed throughout the state, the sector remains a significant contributor to the local economy.
Chemist compensation in Delaware varies considerably based on experience level, educational credentials, and specific employer. Entry-level positions typically start around $80,500, while experienced chemists in specialized roles can earn upward of $170,290 annually. Factors like industry sector, company size, and proximity to major research or manufacturing hubs also influence earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Chemist in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $80,500 |
| 25th percentile | $100,800 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $129,860 |
| 75th percentile | $139,820 |
| 90th percentile | $170,290 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemists in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $123,380 | 610 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $112,840 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $109,990 | 190 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $107,330 | 10K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $96,840 | 160 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemist in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $110,200 |
| 2023 | $109,890 |
| 2024 | $125,430 |
| 2025 | $129,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,446 |
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 | $110,200 | $79,362 |
| 2023 | $109,890 | $83,812 |
| 2024 | $125,430 | $86,969 |
| 2025 | $129,860 | $92,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,446 | $95,260 |
Chemist Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $100,800 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $129,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $139,820 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $170,290 |
Chemist Salary in Other States
Related Chemist Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Chemist ($129,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychologist in DE | $113,050 | -12.9% | $54.35/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in DE | $101,880 | -21.5% | $48.98/hr |
| Medical Scientist in DE | $100,190 | -22.8% | $48.17/hr |
| Geoscientist in DE | $93,640 | -27.9% | $45.02/hr |
| Physicist in DE | $82,590 | -36.4% | $39.71/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in DE | $67,110 | -48.3% | $32.26/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in DE | $64,690 | -50.2% | $31.10/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DE | $131,040 | +0.9% | $63.00/hr |
| Materials Engineer in DE | $131,320 | +1.1% | $63.13/hr |
| Construction Manager in DE | $132,150 | +1.8% | $63.53/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DE | $127,510 | -1.8% | $61.30/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DE | $126,970 | -2.2% | $61.04/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemists make in Delaware?
- Chemists in Delaware earn a median salary of $129,860 per year, or $62 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 41.1% premium for chemistry professionals working in the state.
What is the salary range for chemists in Delaware?
- Chemist salaries in Delaware range from $80,500 at the lower end to $170,290 at the upper end. The wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specific roles within the chemistry field.
Is Delaware a good state for chemist jobs?
- Yes, Delaware is an excellent state for chemists, with salaries 41.1% above the national average and approximately 1,200 chemists currently employed in the state. The strong salary premium indicates robust demand and competitive compensation in Delaware's chemistry sector.
How many chemist jobs are available in Delaware?
- There are approximately 1,200 chemists employed in Delaware, representing a solid job market for chemistry professionals in the state.