Mechanical Engineer Salary in Delaware
Based on 610+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$125,130
$60.16/hr
vs National Average
$105,416
+18.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $168K
610 employed in Delaware
Mechanical engineers in Delaware earn a median salary of $125,130 per year, which is 19% above the national average. This competitive compensation reflects the state's strong industrial and manufacturing sectors. With approximately 610 mechanical engineers employed throughout Delaware, the field offers stable career opportunities for professionals in this discipline.
Mechanical engineer salary in Delaware varies based on several factors including years of experience, educational credentials, industry sector, and employer size. Engineers working in specialized fields such as automotive, aerospace, or pharmaceuticals typically command higher compensation than those in general manufacturing. Geographic location within Delaware, company profitability, and professional certifications also significantly influence earning potential, with salaries ranging from $65,890 to $168,180 annually.
Salary Distribution — Mechanical Engineer in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,890 |
| 25th percentile | $97,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $125,130 |
| 75th percentile | $128,140 |
| 90th percentile | $168,180 |
Top-Paying Industries for Mechanical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mechanical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mechanical Engineers in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $175,610 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $138,030 | 1K |
| Utilities | $135,150 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $128,760 | 100 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,390 | 12K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mechanical Engineer in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $100,510 |
| 2023 | $102,070 |
| 2024 | $106,020 |
| 2025 | $125,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,638 |
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 | $100,510 | $92,043 |
| 2023 | $102,070 | $97,128 |
| 2024 | $106,020 | $102,901 |
| 2025 | $125,130 | $105,416 |
| 2026 (projected) | $132,638 | $111,741 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $97,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $125,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $128,140 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $168,180 |
Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Mechanical Engineer Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Mechanical Engineer ($125,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mechanical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in DE | $181,190 | +44.8% | $87.11/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in DE | $133,670 | +6.8% | $64.26/hr |
| Materials Engineer in DE | $131,320 | +4.9% | $63.13/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DE | $126,970 | +1.5% | $61.04/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DE | $120,190 | -3.9% | $57.78/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DE | $100,220 | -19.9% | $48.18/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in DE | $95,720 | -23.5% | $46.02/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in DE | $125,050 | -0.1% | $60.12/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DE | $127,510 | +1.9% | $61.30/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in DE | $122,190 | -2.3% | $58.75/hr |
| Chemist in DE | $129,860 | +3.8% | $62.43/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DE | $131,040 | +4.7% | $63.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in Delaware?
- The median salary for mechanical engineers in Delaware is $125,130 per year, or $60 per hour. This is 18.7% higher than the national average for the profession, making it a well-compensated role in the state.
What is the salary range for mechanical engineers in Delaware?
- Mechanical engineer salaries in Delaware typically range from $65,890 at the lower end to $168,180 at the upper end. The wide range reflects differences in experience, education, and specialization within the field.
Is Delaware a good state for mechanical engineer salaries?
- Yes, Delaware offers competitive mechanical engineer salaries, with a median of $125,130 annually—18.7% above the national average. With 610 mechanical engineers employed in the state, there is a reasonable job market for this profession.
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Delaware?
- Entry-level mechanical engineers in Delaware can expect to earn around $65,890 annually, based on the lower end of the state's salary range. With experience and advancement, salaries can increase significantly to the upper range of $168,180.