Environmental Scientist Salary in Delaware
Based on 290+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$64,690
$31.10/hr
vs National Average
$80,042
-19.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $106K
290 employed in Delaware
Environmental Scientists in Delaware earn a median salary of $64,690 per year, according to current labor data. With approximately 290 environmental scientists employed throughout the state, this represents a modest but stable career field. However, Delaware's median salary falls about 19% below the national average, reflecting regional economic differences and cost-of-living variations compared to other states.
Several factors influence environmental scientist salaries in Delaware, including education level, years of experience, employer type, and specific specialization within the field. Government agencies, private consulting firms, and environmental organizations may offer different compensation packages. Additionally, professionals with advanced degrees or specialized certifications often command higher salaries at the upper end of Delaware's range, which extends to $106,060 annually, compared to entry-level positions starting around $50,220.
Salary Distribution — Environmental Scientist in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,220 |
| 25th percentile | $57,130 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $64,690 |
| 75th percentile | $76,990 |
| 90th percentile | $106,060 |
Top-Paying Industries for Environmental Scientist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Environmental Scientists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Environmental Scientists in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $134,100 | 110 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $122,660 | 210 |
| Manufacturing | $120,930 | 1K |
| Utilities | $115,170 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $110,020 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Environmental Scientist in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $57,870 |
| 2023 | $60,740 |
| 2024 | $62,780 |
| 2025 | $64,690 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,658 |
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 | $57,870 | $70,215 |
| 2023 | $60,740 | $74,160 |
| 2024 | $62,780 | $77,423 |
| 2025 | $64,690 | $80,042 |
| 2026 (projected) | $66,658 | $82,477 |
Environmental Scientist Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $57,130 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $64,690 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $76,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $106,060 |
Environmental Scientist Salary in Other States
Related Environmental Scientist Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Environmental Scientist ($64,690 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Environmental Scientist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemist in DE | $129,860 | +100.7% | $62.43/hr |
| Psychologist in DE | $113,050 | +74.8% | $54.35/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in DE | $101,880 | +57.5% | $48.98/hr |
| Medical Scientist in DE | $100,190 | +54.9% | $48.17/hr |
| Geoscientist in DE | $93,640 | +44.8% | $45.02/hr |
| Physicist in DE | $82,590 | +27.7% | $39.71/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in DE | $67,110 | +3.7% | $32.26/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in DE | $64,720 | +0.0% | $31.12/hr |
| Plumber in DE | $64,720 | +0.0% | $31.12/hr |
| Title Examiner in DE | $65,270 | +0.9% | $31.38/hr |
| Electrician in DE | $63,700 | -1.5% | $30.63/hr |
| Paralegal in DE | $63,110 | -2.4% | $30.34/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do environmental scientists make in Delaware?
- Environmental scientists in Delaware earn a median salary of $64,690 per year, or $31 per hour. This is 19.2% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for environmental scientists in Delaware?
- Environmental scientist salaries in Delaware range from $50,220 at the low end to $106,060 at the high end, reflecting differences in experience, education, and specialization.
Is the environmental scientist salary in Delaware competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Delaware's median environmental scientist salary of $64,690 is approximately 19.2% lower than the national average, making it less competitive than many other states.
How many environmental scientists are employed in Delaware?
- There are approximately 290 environmental scientists currently employed in Delaware, indicating a relatively small but established job market for this profession in the state.