Delaware Paycheck Calculator

Delaware Income Tax Rate

Delaware taxes wages with progressive brackets, topping out at a relatively modest high rate compared with some coastal states. Employers begin with gross pay, subtract pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), Section 125 health premiums, HSA/FSA, and commuter plans—then apply federal withholding, FICA, and Delaware withholding using your DE W-4A elections and pay frequency. Supplemental wages (bonuses/commissions) may be handled under the percentage or aggregate method consistent with federal guidance. Delaware does not add a separate city wage tax layer, so your main income-tax components are federal and state. The table below shows the top individual rate over the last decade for easy historical comparison; your effective rate is typically lower, depending on income, deductions, and credits.

Delaware Median Household Income

Delaware’s median household income has climbed through the decade, supported by healthcare, financial services, logistics, higher education, and pharmaceuticals. Pandemic-era volatility slowed but did not stop nominal gains as labor markets tightened and migration patterns shifted. Metros and suburbs near Wilmington and Newark typically exceed statewide medians, while some rural areas trail. Use the values below as directional benchmarks when budgeting or comparing offers. For purchasing power, analyze “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and weigh housing, transportation, childcare, and healthcare costs. Household size, retirement and health benefits, and commuting choices can materially change how far a salary goes across Delaware communities and counties.

Delaware Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

FICA funds Social Security and Medicare and applies to Delaware wages like everywhere in the U.S. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the federal wage base (employers match) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above federal thresholds; employers do not match the surtax. Section 125 health premiums typically reduce both income-tax and FICA wages, while traditional 401(k) lowers income-tax wages but not FICA. Expect your pay stub to show separate lines for Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax, and Delaware income tax, along with pre-tax and post-tax deductions and year-to-date totals.

Delaware Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes

Delaware does not impose municipal wage income taxes. Local governments rely on other revenue sources (e.g., property, licensing, fees), so payroll withholding generally includes only federal, FICA, and state income tax.

How Your Delaware Paycheck Works

Every pay period starts with gross wages. Payroll subtracts pre-tax deductions—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, commuter benefits, and pre-tax insurance— to reach taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (W-4), FICA (Social Security and Medicare), and Delaware state income tax using your DE W-4A elections and pay frequency. Because there is no local wage tax, layers are simpler than in many states. Post-tax items—Roth 401(k), garnishments, union dues, and charitable gifts—come out after taxes and do not reduce taxable wages. Pay schedule (weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, monthly) changes per-check cash flow but not annual liability; monitor stubs after life events or benefit updates.

Delaware Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency

Overtime: Delaware follows FLSA—most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek; exemptions apply where duties and salary thresholds are met. Some industries have additional timing or recordkeeping rules.
Pay frequency: Employers must set regular paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly or semimonthly schedules are common. Final-pay timing and wage-statement requirements apply under state and federal law—review employer policy and any contract terms for specifics.

FAQs

How do I use the Delaware Paycheck Calculator?

Enter gross pay, pay schedule, DE W-4A details, pre-tax benefits, and post-tax deductions to estimate federal, FICA, and Delaware withholding.

What are Delaware’s current income tax brackets?

Delaware uses progressive brackets with a 6.60% top rate; your effective rate varies by income, filing status, and credits.

Do any Delaware cities have a wage income tax?

No. Municipalities do not levy percent-of-wages income taxes; payroll withholding covers federal, FICA, and state only.

How do pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions affect take-home pay?

They reduce taxable wages for income tax, boosting net pay. 401(k) does not reduce FICA wages; many health premiums do.

Are bonuses taxed differently in Delaware?

State withholding follows Delaware tables; federally, employers may use percentage or aggregate methods for supplemental wages like bonuses.

Why did my Delaware withholding change this year?

Form updates, benefit elections, marital status changes, or supplemental pay can shift per-check results even at the same salary.

What appears on a Delaware pay stub?

Typically Social Security, Medicare, federal tax, Delaware tax, pre-tax deductions, post-tax deductions, and year-to-date totals.