State lawmakers have touted wanting to have Delaware's public school teachers make at least $60,000 as a starting salary, but they're several raise cycles short.
According to WDEL's research, the 16 public and vo-tech school districts that have announced their teacher scales for the upcoming school year have an average starting salary of $51,627 for a teacher with no degree.
That's not consistent across the board, with Caesar Rodney coming in the highest ($53,549), while Seaford is the lowest ($49,689).
Teacher salaries are determined by combining a statewide salary, which is consistent across the board, and then local funds determined by their school board and teachers unions, often dependent on successful referendum votes.
The various district matrices reward teacher experience, and also further education towards bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees.
At an average of $51,627, Delaware's new teachers would need to see five raises of 3% to get to the $60,000 target.
3% was the increase to the state portion granted for this year's budget.
During the debate over the budget in June, State Rep. Kim Williams (D-Marshallton) talked about the importance of the $60,000 barrier.
"These investments make sure that we're able to recruit and retain state employees, and make sure that our state can remain competitive in the years ahead."
Delaware's average teacher salary doesn't eclipse $60,000 until teachers reach their 5th year with a bachelor's degree, and roughly half the districts are below that mark at that point.
Cecil County, Maryland does not have a teacher scale for non-bachelors degreed teachers, but their starting salary for a teacher with a bachelor's is $60,086.
According to the Pennsylvania State Education Association, Garnet Valley's starting salary is $60,000, Unionville-Chadds Ford's is $65,759, Kennett Consolidated's is $54,609, and Chichester's is $55,837, all higher than Delaware's top entry salary.
While starting salaries in Delaware are fairly consistent, New Castle County districts tend to reward teachers who get masters degrees with significantly higher pay later in their careers.
Four of New Castle County's 6 districts offer over $100,000 to 15th year teachers with a masters degree, with Christina falling just $175 short.
No other district offers as much as $95,000 for that education and experience combination.
DELAWARE'S 2026-2027 PUBLIC SCHOOL SALARIES
(Source: District Websites)
