Delaware Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Delaware firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Delaware firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $56,430):
Level
Annual Base Pay
Entry-level (probation / step 1)
$48,000–$60,000
Mid-career (5–10 years)
$62,000–$78,000
Top-step Firefighter
$74,000–$92,000
With overtime (realistic)
$88,000–$115,000
Engineer / Driver-Operator
$80,000–$98,000
Captain
$95,000–$120,000
Source: BLS OES May 2023, department HR postings, union contracts. Numbers reflect base pay; total compensation with OT and benefits is higher.
City-by-City Breakdown
Department
Typical Range
Notes
Wilmington Fire Department
$58,000–$90,000
Largest career department in Delaware. Proximity to Philadelphia metro lifts wages.
Dover Fire Department
$50,000–$78,000
State capital; smaller department, stable employment.
New Castle County Fire
$52,000–$82,000
County-level service; combination of career and volunteer companies.
Overtime and Premium Pay
Wilmington offers the most consistent OT. Smaller departments have limited availability. Delaware's proximity to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington DC creates competition for personnel and pushes wages upward.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Delaware Public Employees Pension System. Defined-benefit for career firefighters. Delaware has no state income tax, which meaningfully improves net take-home relative to neighboring states.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Delaware has no sales tax, which helps. Housing is more affordable than New Jersey or Maryland but has risen with regional demand. Northern Delaware (Wilmington corridor) is pricier than southern Delaware.
DE Firefighter Career Outlook
Small state with limited departments, but no state income tax is a meaningful advantage. Wilmington is the primary career opportunity. Delaware firefighters often commute to/from Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey.
How to Compare Two Delaware Departments
Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in Delaware?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Delaware is $56,430. Career firefighters typically earn $62,000–$78,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $88,000–$115,000.
Do Delaware firefighters get a pension?
Delaware Public Employees Pension System. Defined-benefit for career firefighters. Delaware has no state income tax, which meaningfully improves net take-home relative to neighboring states.
Is Delaware a good state for a firefighter career?
Small state with limited departments, but no state income tax is a meaningful advantage. Wilmington is the primary career opportunity. Delaware firefighters often commute to/from Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey.
