Physicist Salary in Delaware
Based on 50+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$82,590
$39.71/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
-46.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $294K
50 employed in Delaware
Physicist salary in Delaware averages $82,590 per year, based on data from approximately 50 employed physicists in the state. This median figure falls significantly below the national average, positioning Delaware as a lower-paying market for this profession. However, individual compensation varies considerably, ranging from $64,570 to $293,950 annually depending on experience and specialization.
Several factors influence physicist salary in Delaware, including years of experience, educational credentials, employer type, and specific research focus. Academic institutions, government laboratories, and private industry firms offer different compensation structures. Geographic location within the state, access to major research facilities, and demand for specialized expertise also play important roles in determining individual earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $64,570 |
| 25th percentile | $64,570 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $82,590 |
| 75th percentile | $210,590 |
| 90th percentile | $293,950 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $82,780 |
| 2025 | $82,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,590 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $82,780 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $82,590 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $82,590 | $153,763 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $64,570 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $82,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $210,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $293,950 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Physicist ($82,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemist in DE | $129,860 | +57.2% | $62.43/hr |
| Psychologist in DE | $113,050 | +36.9% | $54.35/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in DE | $101,880 | +23.4% | $48.98/hr |
| Medical Scientist in DE | $100,190 | +21.3% | $48.17/hr |
| Geoscientist in DE | $93,640 | +13.4% | $45.02/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in DE | $67,110 | -18.7% | $32.26/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in DE | $64,690 | -21.7% | $31.10/hr |
| Purchasing Agent in DE | $82,920 | +0.4% | $39.87/hr |
| Loan Officer in DE | $83,130 | +0.7% | $39.97/hr |
| Budget Analyst in DE | $82,000 | -0.7% | $39.42/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in DE | $83,750 | +1.4% | $40.26/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in DE | $81,100 | -1.8% | $38.99/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Delaware?
- The median salary for physicists in Delaware is $82,590 per year, which translates to approximately $40 per hour. This is significantly below the national average, representing a 46.3% decrease compared to physicists working elsewhere in the United States.
What is the salary range for physicists in Delaware?
- Physicist salaries in Delaware range from a low of $64,570 to a high of $293,950 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, education, employer, and specialization within the physics field.
Is the physicist salary in Delaware competitive compared to the national average?
- No, Delaware's median physicist salary of $82,590 is notably uncompetitive, falling 46.3% below the national average for the profession. Job seekers considering physics positions in Delaware should be aware of this significant salary gap.
How many physicists are employed in Delaware?
- Delaware currently has approximately 50 physicists employed across the state. This relatively small workforce indicates limited job opportunities in the physics field compared to larger states.