What is the average teacher salary in Delaware?

The average public-school teacher salary in Delaware is approximately $66,533 per year (source: Delaware Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Delaware teacher pay compare to the national average?

Delaware teachers earn about 3% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Delaware teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Delaware districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Delaware?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Delaware.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Delaware?

Yes. Almost every Delaware district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Delaware

Delaware teachers earn an average of $66,533 per year — 3% below the national average.

$66,533State Average

$42,000Entry-Level (BS)

#18National Rank

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Delaware Teacher Salary Overview

$42,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$66,533Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Delaware teachers earn 3% less than the national average (-$1,936)

How Delaware Teacher Salaries Work

Delaware uses a state salary schedule as the base, supplemented by local unit supplements negotiated by each district. Christina School District, Red Clay Consolidated, and Brandywine School District typically offer the highest total compensation.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Delaware's small size means most teachers are within commuting distance of higher-paying Pennsylvania and Maryland districts, adding competitive pressure on local pay.

Top Hiring Districts in Delaware

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Brandywine School District525 open positions Sussex Technical School District475 open positions Indian River School District98 open positions Caesar Rodney School District71 open positions Seaford School District58 open positions Colonial School District32 open positions Lake Forest School District31 open positions Cape Henlopen School District22 open positions Smyrna School District13 open positions Capital School District2 open positions

1,327 total open positions across Delaware school districts.

Browse All Delaware Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Delaware ranks #18 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Delaware?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Delaware teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Delaware Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Delaware — apply directly on district sites.

View Delaware jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Delaware Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Delaware Department of Education.

Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in Delaware

What is the average teacher salary in Delaware?: The average public-school teacher salary in Delaware is approximately $66,533 per year (source: Delaware Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
How does Delaware teacher pay compare to the national average?: Delaware teachers earn about 3% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.
Do Delaware teachers get paid during the summer?: Most Delaware districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.
What's the highest-paying school district in Delaware?: Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Delaware.
Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Delaware?: Yes. Almost every Delaware district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.