Accountant Salary in Delaware: $75,078 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Delaware's 6 metropolitan areas, the average median accountant pay sits at $75,078/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 13-2011. Because Delaware sits at BEA RPP 101.7 (2% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $73,823 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Wilmington ($87,459), Newark ($84,554), Bear ($81,555).
In 2026, the average median salary for accountants in Delaware is projected to be $75,078, which is significantly lower than the national median of $85,864, representing a difference of 12.6%. Within the state, there is a noticeable salary variation between cities; Wilmington ranks as the highest-paying city with a salary of $89,742, while Dover has the lowest at $74,628. This gap of $15,114 is driven by factors such as the concentration of financial services and larger firms in Wilmington compared to other areas. Delaware's specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws also play a role in shaping accountant salaries. The demand for skilled accountants is fueled by a growing number of businesses registered in the state, particularly in finance and law, which drives the need for accounting professionals. The job market for accountants in Delaware is poised for steady growth, with a projected annual compound growth rate of 2.61%. As the state continues to be a hub for corporate entities, the demand for accountants remains strong. This trend indicates a positive outlook for those considering a career in accounting within Delaware.
Delaware Accountant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Delaware: $50,053 (lowest entry-level) to $139,099 (highest top earner)
Delaware vs National Average
Delaware accountants earn 12.56% less than the national median ($-10,786/year difference).
Delaware Accountant Salary Distribution (2026)
Accountant salaries in Delaware range from $50,432 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $115,466 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $75,078. The Delaware median is $10,786 below the US national median of $85,864. The average hourly rate is $36.10/hr. Approximately 742 accountants are employed across 6 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,530
2025 BLS Actual
$73,168
2026 Current Est.
$75,078
2019–2027 Growth
+29.4%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,530 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,450 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,470 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,168 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,078 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,038 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 22.9% from $59,530 (2019) to $73,168 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,038 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,508 (29.41%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Delaware
Lowest Paying Cities in Delaware
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Dover | $74,628 |
| Middletown | $80,682 |
| Smyrna | $80,900 |
| Bear | $83,684 |
| Newark | $86,761 |
Best Value Cities for Accountants in Delaware
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Delaware cities offer the most purchasing power for accountants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $89,742 | 101.7 | $88,242 |
| Newark | $86,761 | 101.7 | $85,311 |
| Bear | $83,684 | 101.7 | $82,285 |
| Smyrna | $80,900 | 101.7 | $79,548 |
| Middletown | $80,682 | 101.7 | $79,333 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $50,432 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $75,078 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $115,466 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Delaware metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 6 Cities in Delaware
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington | $89,742 |
| 2 | Newark | $86,761 |
| 3 | Bear | $83,684 |
| 4 | Smyrna | $80,900 |
| 5 | Middletown | $80,682 |
| 6 | Dover | $74,628 |
More Delaware Salary Data
Explore More Accountant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do accountants make in Delaware in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for accountants in Delaware?
How does Delaware accountant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level accountant salary in Delaware?
How many accountants are employed in Delaware?
Which Delaware city offers the best value for accountants?
Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 accountant compensation across Delaware. State averages are employment-weighted across 6 metro areas — larger metro areas with more accountantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov