Lawyer Salary in Delaware
Based on 3K+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$173,510
$83.42/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+28.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$101K – $355K
3K employed in Delaware
Lawyers in Delaware earn a median salary of $173,510 per year, which is 29% above the national average. With approximately 2,920 legal professionals working throughout the state, Delaware offers competitive compensation in the legal field. Salaries for lawyers in Delaware range from $101,200 to $354,910 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Delaware, including years of experience, area of specialization, and employer type. Attorneys working at large corporate firms or in specialized practice areas typically earn more than those in solo practices or smaller firms. Geographic location within the state, client base, and professional reputation also play important roles in determining compensation levels for legal professionals.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,200 |
| 25th percentile | $130,630 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $173,510 |
| 75th percentile | $226,190 |
| 90th percentile | $354,910 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $183,380 |
| 2024 | $172,710 |
| 2025 | $173,510 |
| 2026 (projected) | $174,314 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $183,380 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $172,710 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $173,510 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $174,314 | $135,336 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $130,630 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $173,510 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $226,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $354,910 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Lawyer ($173,510 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title Examiner in DE | $65,270 | -62.4% | $31.38/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in DE | $64,720 | -62.7% | $31.12/hr |
| Paralegal in DE | $63,110 | -63.6% | $30.34/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in DE | $172,340 | -0.7% | $82.86/hr |
| Podiatrist in DE | $170,560 | -1.7% | $82.00/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in DE | $168,500 | -2.9% | $81.01/hr |
| Engineering Manager in DE | $181,190 | +4.4% | $87.11/hr |
| Financial Manager in DE | $181,580 | +4.7% | $87.30/hr |
| Optometrist in DE | $161,270 | -7.1% | $77.53/hr |
| Economist in DE | $159,120 | -8.3% | $76.50/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in DE | $153,890 | -11.3% | $73.99/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in DE | $153,010 | -11.8% | $73.56/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Delaware?
- The median salary for lawyers in Delaware is $173,510 per year, or approximately $83 per hour. This is 28.8% higher than the national average for lawyers, making Delaware a competitive market for legal professionals.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Delaware?
- Lawyer salaries in Delaware range from $101,200 to $354,910 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and firm size. This wide range reflects the variety of legal practice areas and career levels in the state.
How many lawyers work in Delaware?
- There are approximately 2,920 lawyers employed in Delaware. This represents a moderate legal market within the state's professional workforce.
Is lawyer salary in Delaware above the national average?
- Yes, Delaware's median lawyer salary of $173,510 is 28.8% above the national average. This makes Delaware one of the more lucrative states for legal professionals seeking higher compensation.