Social Worker Salary in Delaware
Based on 510+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$60,060
$28.88/hr
vs National Average
$57,161
+5.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $81K
510 employed in Delaware
Social workers in Delaware earn a median salary of $60,060 per year, which is approximately 5% above the national average. With 510 social workers currently employed throughout the state, Delaware offers competitive compensation within this essential field. The salary range typically spans from $47,550 to $81,210 annually, reflecting variations based on experience and specialization.
Social worker salary in Delaware varies based on several key factors, including years of experience, educational credentials, and the specific employer type. Social workers employed by state agencies, hospitals, or private practices may earn differently depending on funding levels and organizational resources. Geographic location within Delaware, specialized certifications, and caseload complexity also influence earnings potential in this rewarding but demanding profession.
Salary Distribution — Social Worker in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,550 |
| 25th percentile | $51,230 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,060 |
| 75th percentile | $68,090 |
| 90th percentile | $81,210 |
Top-Paying Industries for Social Worker (U.S.)
Which industries pay Social Workers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Social Workers in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $94,250 | 550 |
| Educational Services | $72,880 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $68,600 | 20K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $65,990 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $59,270 | 104K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Social Worker in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,750 |
| 2023 | $54,550 |
| 2024 | $57,620 |
| 2025 | $60,060 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,603 |
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 | $48,750 | $50,498 |
| 2023 | $54,550 | $53,608 |
| 2024 | $57,620 | $56,931 |
| 2025 | $60,060 | $57,161 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,603 | $59,582 |
Social Worker Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $51,230 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,060 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $68,090 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $81,210 |
Social Worker Salary in Other States
Related Social Worker Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Social Worker ($60,060 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Social Worker | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in DE | $324,080 | +439.6% | $155.81/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DE | $279,410 | +365.2% | $134.33/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DE | $228,000 | +279.6% | $109.62/hr |
| Pediatrician in DE | $219,190 | +265.0% | $105.38/hr |
| Podiatrist in DE | $170,560 | +184.0% | $82.00/hr |
| Optometrist in DE | $161,270 | +168.5% | $77.53/hr |
| Pharmacist in DE | $152,880 | +154.5% | $73.50/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DE | $139,350 | +132.0% | $67.00/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DE | $134,820 | +124.5% | $64.82/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DE | $131,040 | +118.2% | $63.00/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DE | $127,510 | +112.3% | $61.30/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in DE | $102,760 | +71.1% | $49.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do social workers make in Delaware?
- Social workers in Delaware earn a median salary of $60,060 per year, or $29 per hour. This is approximately 5.1% higher than the national average for social workers.
What is the salary range for social workers in Delaware?
- Social worker salaries in Delaware range from $47,550 at the lower end to $81,210 at the higher end, representing a significant spread based on experience and specialization.
Is social work a well-paying job in Delaware compared to other states?
- Yes, Delaware social workers earn 5.1% more than the national average, with a median salary of $60,060 per year positioning the state above the typical national rate.
How many social workers are employed in Delaware?
- There are approximately 510 social workers currently employed in Delaware, reflecting the demand for social services in the state.