Materials Engineer Salary in Delaware
Based on 40+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$131,320
$63.13/hr
vs National Average
$108,868
+20.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$101K – $182K
40 employed in Delaware
Materials Engineer salary in Delaware averages $131,320 annually, placing the state among the more competitive markets for this profession. With approximately 40 materials engineers currently employed in Delaware, this represents a specialized but stable workforce. The median compensation sits 21% above the national average, reflecting the state's strong industrial and manufacturing sectors.
Several factors influence materials engineer compensation across Delaware, including years of experience, educational credentials, and industry specialization. Engineers working in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, or advanced manufacturing typically command higher salaries within the state's range of $100,620 to $182,400. Geographic proximity to regional research institutions and established manufacturing hubs also plays a role in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Materials Engineer in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $100,620 |
| 25th percentile | $100,980 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $131,320 |
| 75th percentile | $165,960 |
| 90th percentile | $182,400 |
Top-Paying Industries for Materials Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Materials Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Materials Engineers in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,650 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $130,620 | 70 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $126,510 | 2K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $122,660 | 6K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $118,890 | 130 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Materials Engineer in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,500 |
| 2023 | $104,630 |
| 2024 | $127,640 |
| 2025 | $131,320 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,106 |
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 | $100,500 | $94,212 |
| 2023 | $104,630 | $99,580 |
| 2024 | $127,640 | $104,882 |
| 2025 | $131,320 | $108,868 |
| 2026 (projected) | $135,106 | $112,007 |
Materials Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $100,980 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $131,320 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $182,400 |
Materials Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Materials Engineer Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Materials Engineer ($131,320 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Materials Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in DE | $181,190 | +38.0% | $87.11/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in DE | $133,670 | +1.8% | $64.26/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DE | $126,970 | -3.3% | $61.04/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DE | $125,130 | -4.7% | $60.16/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DE | $120,190 | -8.5% | $57.78/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DE | $100,220 | -23.7% | $48.18/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in DE | $95,720 | -27.1% | $46.02/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DE | $131,040 | -0.2% | $63.00/hr |
| Construction Manager in DE | $132,150 | +0.6% | $63.53/hr |
| Chemist in DE | $129,860 | -1.1% | $62.43/hr |
| Software Developer in DE | $133,020 | +1.3% | $63.95/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DE | $134,820 | +2.7% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do materials engineers make in Delaware?
- Materials engineers in Delaware earn a median salary of $131,320 per year, or approximately $63 per hour. This is 20.6% higher than the national average for this position.
What is the salary range for materials engineers in Delaware?
- Materials engineer salaries in Delaware range from $100,620 at the lower end to $182,400 at the higher end, depending on experience and qualifications.
Is the materials engineer salary in Delaware above the national average?
- Yes, Delaware's median materials engineer salary of $131,320 is significantly above the national average, representing a 20.6% premium compared to the rest of the country.
How many materials engineers are employed in Delaware?
- There are approximately 40 materials engineers employed in Delaware, making it a relatively specialized profession in the state.