Current Minimum Wage in Delaware
The minimum wage in Delaware is $13.25 per hour as of 2026. This is $6 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hr.
Wage Breakdown
| Pay Period | Gross Pay | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly | $13.25 | 1 |
| Daily (8 hours) | $106 | 8 |
| Weekly | $530 | 40 |
| Biweekly | $1,060 | 80 |
| Monthly | $2,297 | ~173 |
| Annual | $27,560 | 2,080 |
Tipped Employee Wage
Tipped workers in Delaware can be paid a cash wage of $2.23/hr, with the expectation that tips make up the difference to the full $13.25/hr minimum. If tips don't bring total compensation to the minimum wage, the employer must make up the difference.
Scheduled Increases
Increased to $13.25 in Jan 2025. No further scheduled increases.
Living Wage vs. Minimum Wage
Federal Poverty Line (single)
$15,060/year
Minimum wage is $12,500 above poverty line
Estimated Living Wage (DE)
~$17.41/hr
Based on cost of living index (102.4)
Cost of Living Context
Delaware's cost of living index is 102.4 (national average = 100). This means living in Delaware is 2.4% more expensive than the national average. The median hourly wage in Delaware is $22.19/hr, which is 67% above the minimum wage.
Key Facts
Phased increases reaching $13.25 in 2025. Tipped minimum is $2.23/hr.
How This Compares
| Metric | DE | Federal | Highest (WA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Wage | $13.25 | $7.25 | $16.66 |
| Tipped Wage | $2.23 | $2.13 | $16.66 |
| Annual (FT) | $27,560 | $15,080 | $34,653 |
Useful Resources
Delaware Average Salary
Median income and top employers in DE
Delaware Tax Rates
Income, sales & property tax in DE
Salary Calculator
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Paycheck Calculator
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