The combination of Delaware’s teacher salaries, a very low cost of living, career ladder opportunities, and differentiated pay makes the First State a great place for educators to earn a living.
Teacher Salaries
According to the NEA, teachers in Delaware earn an average salary of $56,667, and an average starting salary of $39,099. TeacherPortal.com‘s salary comfort score ranks Delaware as the 10th most teacher-friendly state.
Salary schedules vary by school and district as they are comprised of both state and local funds. See an abbreviated sample salary schedule of one of Delaware’s school districts below.
| Years of Experience | Bachelors Degree | Bachelors Plus 30 | Masters | Masters Plus 30 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 40410 | 42670 | 44340 | 46597 |
| 10 | 50496 | 52509 | 55503 | 57573 |
| 20 | 53345 | 59331 | 63507 | 67860 |
Cost of Living
Educators in Delaware benefit from a very low cost-of-living. Housing prices, in particular, are some of the lowest in the nation. For example, housing in Dover is 66% less than in Washington, DC, 71% less than in Brooklyn, NY, 37% less than in Philadelphia, PA, and 41% less than in Baltimore, MD. Residents also enjoy tax-free shopping all year round. Compare the cost of living with other regions using this calculator.
Monetary Incentives
Delaware has made it a priority to recognize and reward those educators who go above and beyond in fostering student achievement. For example, Delaware has created an incentive program called the Delaware Talent Cooperative in order to put the most effective educators in front of the students who need them most. The Co-op provides attraction and retention awards to teachers and leaders in certain high needs schools, with bonuses of up to $15,000 over two years.
Teacher Leadership
Delaware has also made it a priority to provide teachers with career ladder opportunities. For example, Delaware’s multi-year new teacher induction process affords teachers a formal opportunity to mentor new teachers and earn additional compensation. Learn more.
Benefits
Delaware school districts provide major health care plans for educators, including prescription drug coverage, dental, emergency care, and vision. Other benefits include group life insurance, a state retirement plan, college course reimbursement (up to two classes per year), long-term disability, 10 sick days per year, and a 188-day work year. Learn more.