Delaware Minimum Wage — As of October 2026, the minimum wage in Delaware is $15.00 per hour, unchanged since January 1, 2025, with no increase scheduled and no automatic inflation adjustment. Tipped employees may be paid $2.23 per hour in direct wages as long as tips bring total hourly pay to $15.00 — the employer must make up any shortfall, and that credit applies only with proper notice.
Payment of Wages
Wages must be paid at least once each month. Employees must be paid all wages within seven (7) days from the close of each pay period with some exceptions. If the payday falls on a non-work day, payment shall be made on the preceding workday. If an employee is not present on the regular payday, payment shall be made on the next regular workday that the employee is present or by mail. (only if requested by the employee). Wages may be paid to a bank account designated by an employee (upon the employee’s written request). Wages may be paid in cash or by check (provided that suitable arrangements are made by the employer for cashing at a bank or other business establishment convenient to the work place).
Last Paycheck
Whenever an employee quits, resigns, is discharged, suspended or laid off, the wages earned shall be paid on the next regularly-scheduled payday(s) either through the usual pay channels or by mail (if requested by the employee) as if employment had not been suspended or terminated.
Notice Requirements
Employers of 4 or more employees must notify employees in writing at the time of hire of: (1) Rate of pay; (2) Day, hour and place of payment; and (3) Employer’s fringe benefits and policies.
They must also Notify employees in writing of any reductions in the rate of pay, and any changes in the day, hour or place of payment, or benefits.
Recordkeeping
Employers of 4 or more employees must also furnish pay-stubs to employees laying out the: (1) Amount of wages due; (2) Pay period covered by the payment; (3) Amounts of deductions (separately specified) which have been made from the wages; and (4) Total number of hours worked in the pay period (for employees who are paid on an hourly rate).
Employers must keep records including; rates of pay, hours worked, and amount paid for each worker, for three (3) years.
Delaware Overtime — Delaware follows federal overtime rules: non-exempt employees earn 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a week, enforced through Delaware’s own Wage Payment and Collection Act. The exempt salary floor follows the federal $684-per-week standard, and actual job duties — not titles — determine exemption. Delaware workers denied pay can file complaints with the state Department of Labor, and the state allows penalties for unpaid wages.
