What the numbers say
Delaware's median wage for Civil Engineers was $99,820 in 2024, about 3.8% above the national median of $96,198. That gap is real but not dramatic. Delaware sits close to the national center for this occupation, not at either extreme.
The spread within the state tells a more interesting story. Civil Engineers at the 10th percentile earned $68,040, while those at the 90th earned $148,380. Top earners made roughly 2.2 times what entry-level peers made. That kind of range usually reflects significant differences in how senior someone is, what sub-specialty they work in, and whether they hold a PE license.
The mean wage came in at $105,080, about $5,200 above the median. A smaller group of higher-earning engineers pulls the average up. For most Civil Engineers in Delaware, the median is the better reference point.
Delaware's cost of living sits almost exactly at the national baseline: the overall index lands at 100.5. That means the headline premium over the national median translates cleanly into purchasing power. A $99,820 wage here buys roughly what $99,820 buys on average across the country, which is a different situation than states where strong nominal wages come with a steep cost-of-living offset.
On the job-growth side, BLS projects employment for Civil Engineers to expand faster than average between 2024 and 2034, with a projected growth rate of 5%. Delaware's total employment for this occupation is around 1,000 workers, a small base, so the percentage growth figure matters more than the raw headcount change.
Salary distribution
Where Delaware civil engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $80,660 and $125,330, with a median of $99,820.
Civil Engineers pay by experience level in Delaware
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Delaware over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.7 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.5 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Direct engineering activities, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, or other governmental regulations.
- 02
Test soils or materials to determine the adequacy and strength of foundations, concrete, asphalt, or steel.
- 03
Inspect project sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to design specifications and safety or sanitation standards.
- 04
Manage and direct the construction, operations, or maintenance activities at project site.
- 05
Compute load and grade requirements, water flow rates, or material stress factors to determine design specifications.
- 06
Plan and design transportation or hydraulic systems or structures, using computer-assisted design or drawing tools.
- 07
Provide technical advice to industrial or managerial personnel regarding design, construction, program modifications, or structural repairs.
- 08
Analyze survey reports, maps, drawings, blueprints, aerial photography, or other topographical or geologic data.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+5.0%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Civil Engineers
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesCompare Civil Engineers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Civil Engineers in Delaware?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Civil Engineers in Delaware is $99,820.
- How does Delaware compare to the national median for Civil Engineers?
- The Delaware median is +3.8% versus the BLS national figure of $96,198.
- What is the salary range for Civil Engineers in Delaware?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $68,040 and the 90th-percentile at $148,380, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Civil Engineers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 5.0% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Civil Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.