Firefighter Salaries in Delaware — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median firefighter salary in Delaware is $48,060 per year, equivalent to $23.11/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Delaware employs approximately 450 firefighters statewide.
Firefighter salaries in Delaware are below the national average by approximately $9,302. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
Delaware's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for firefighters.
Delaware Firefighter Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Delaware after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Delaware Firefighter Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Delaware median of $48,060.
Firefighter Salary by Experience — Delaware
Firefighter Salary Trend in Delaware — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Delaware has seen 13.9% wage growth for firefighters — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Delaware's fire protection and emergency services.
Firefighter Salary by City — Delaware
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $53,350 | $25.65 | +11.0% | 157 |
| Dover | $50,950 | $24.50 | +6.0% | 126 |
| Newark | $49,500 | $23.80 | +3.0% | 81 |
| Middletown | $46,150 | $22.19 | -4.0% | 50 |
| Smyrna | $43,750 | $21.03 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Milford | $41,800 | $20.10 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Wilmington offers the highest firefighter salaries in Delaware at $53,350/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Delaware vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Delaware sits in the mid-range for firefighters.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
Firefighter Job Outlook in Delaware
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for firefighters in Delaware is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Delaware job market. Delaware's proximity to major metros and strong economy supports good wages for firefighters.
How to Earn More as a Firefighter in Delaware
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a firefighter in Delaware typically adds $39,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Fire Marshal's Office can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Wilmington pays firefighters $53,350/yr — +11.0% above the Delaware average. Simply relocating within Delaware can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Firefighters who specialise in fire protection and emergency services typically command premium rates in Delaware. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Pennsylvania pays firefighters $71,430/yr — 48.6% vs Delaware.
Find Firefighter Jobs in Delaware
Live ListingsSearch current firefighter job vacancies in Delaware:
🔍 Firefighter jobs in Delaware — Indeed→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs in Delaware — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Firefighter jobs — Wilmington, DE→