Police Officer Salary in Delaware
Based on 2K+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$92,970
$44.70/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
+25.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $131K
2K employed in Delaware
The median Police Officer salary in Delaware is $92,970 annually, equating to approximately $45 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, representing a notable advantage for law enforcement professionals in the state. With 1,800 individuals employed in this role across Delaware, it's a substantial sector.
Several factors influence the Police Officer salary in Delaware. Experience levels play a crucial role, with more seasoned officers typically earning towards the higher end of the $62,470 to $130,870 salary range. Location within Delaware, specific departmental budgets, and specialized roles can also contribute to variations in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,470 |
| 25th percentile | $75,550 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $92,970 |
| 75th percentile | $102,530 |
| 90th percentile | $130,870 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $92,970 |
| 2026 (projected) | $95,759 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $92,970 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $95,759 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $75,550 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $92,970 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $102,530 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $130,870 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Police Officer ($92,970 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in DE | $46,710 | -49.8% | $22.46/hr |
| Security Guard in DE | $36,360 | -60.9% | $17.48/hr |
| Financial Examiner in DE | $92,390 | -0.6% | $44.42/hr |
| Geoscientist in DE | $93,640 | +0.7% | $45.02/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in DE | $93,880 | +1.0% | $45.13/hr |
| Network Administrator in DE | $94,200 | +1.3% | $45.29/hr |
| Credit Analyst in DE | $94,680 | +1.8% | $45.52/hr |
| Respiratory Therapist in DE | $91,080 | -2.0% | $43.79/hr |
| Compliance Officer in DE | $91,050 | -2.1% | $43.77/hr |
| Accountant in DE | $95,020 | +2.2% | $45.68/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in DE | $95,720 | +3.0% | $46.02/hr |
| Logistician in DE | $96,090 | +3.4% | $46.20/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Police Officer typically earn in Delaware?
- The median salary for a Police Officer in Delaware is $92,970 per year. The salary range is between $62,470 and $130,870 annually, reflecting differences in experience and location.
What is the hourly wage for a Police Officer in Delaware?
- On average, a Police Officer in Delaware earns about $45 per hour. This hourly rate aligns with the reported median annual salary of $92,970.
How does the Police Officer salary in Delaware compare to the national average?
- Police Officer salaries in Delaware are considerably higher than the national average, by approximately 25.3%. This means officers in Delaware can expect to earn more than their counterparts in many other states.
Is there a significant difference between entry-level and experienced Police Officer pay in Delaware?
- Yes, there is a notable salary range in Delaware, from $62,470 to $130,870 annually. Entry-level positions will likely be closer to the lower end, while experienced officers can command salaries closer to the $130,870 maximum.