How Delaware Taxes Your Paycheck
Delaware uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets. Rates start at 0% on the lowest earnings and rise to 6.6% on income above $60,000 for single filers.
Delaware has no state sales tax, partially offsetting its income tax burden.
Delaware Local Taxes
Wilmington imposes a 1.25% earned income tax on residents and non-residents working in the city.
Delaware Job Market Context
Banking and finance dominate Wilmington thanks to favorable corporate law; chemicals and pharmaceuticals add depth.
Top Cities in Delaware
The largest population centers in Delaware — and where local tax rates may stack on top of state withholding:
- Wilmington — 70,900 residents
- Dover — 39,400 residents
- Newark — 31,200 residents
How Delaware Compares to Neighboring States
Single-filer take-home on a $75,000 annual salary in 2026, federal + state income tax + FICA only:
| State | Take-Home | vs. Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware (here) | $57,874 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $59,290 | +$1,417 |
| New Jersey | $58,997 | +$1,123 |
| Maryland | $58,394 | +$520 |
Take-home reflects single filer, no pre-tax deductions; SDI/PFML and local taxes excluded for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the Delaware state income tax rate?
Delaware has progressive income tax brackets ranging from 0% to 6.6%. Most middle-income earners hit the middle brackets; the top rate applies only above $60,000.
How much is taken out of my paycheck in Delaware?
For a single filer earning $75,000 in Delaware (2026), expect roughly $7,670 in federal income tax, $5,738 in FICA, and $3,719 in Delaware state tax — leaving about $57,874 take-home (22.8% effective tax rate). SDI/PFML and local taxes (if any) come out of that as well.
Do Delaware cities tax wages on top of state tax?
Wilmington imposes a 1.25% earned income tax on residents and non-residents working in the city.
Is the Delaware median household income enough to live comfortably?
The 2023 ACS reported a Delaware median household income of about $87,500. Whether that's "comfortable" depends heavily on city — Wilmington cost of living can differ substantially from rural areas. Use the calculator above to model your specific salary and deductions.
How does this Delaware paycheck calculator work?
We calculate your annualized gross pay based on the pay frequency you select, then apply the 2025 or 2026 IRS percentage method for federal income tax, the Delaware state tax schedule (if any), Social Security, and Medicare. Pre-tax deductions like 401(k) and Section 125 health premiums reduce your taxable base before withholding is computed. You can switch between salary and hourly modes; hourly mode applies time-and-a-half to hours over 40/week prorated by pay period.