Salary & Cost of Living in Dover, DE
Dover, DE: $52,000 median salary, cost of living index 96, $15.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$52,000
$25/hr
Cost of Living
96
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.00
per hour
Unemployment
3.8%
rate
Dover, DE Overview
Population
39,403
Median Salary
$52,000
Average Salary
$57,500
Avg Commute
22 min
Median Home Price
$220,000
Median Rent
$1,050/mo
Job Growth
+0.8%
Sales Tax
0%
Dover is located in Delaware with a population of 39,403. The median household salary is $52,000 per year ($25/hour), which is $7,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.8%.
Dover Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Dover, DE, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$40,961
$3,413.38/month · $1,575.40/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.2%
Gross Pay
$52,000
Federal Tax
-$4,202
State Tax
-$2,860
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,978
Net Pay
$40,961
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,333.33 | $52,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$350.13 | -$4,201.50 |
| Delaware State Tax (5.5%) | -$238.33 | -$2,860.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$268.67 | -$3,224.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$62.83 | -$754.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,413.38 | $40,960.50 |
Salary Comparison: Dover vs Other Cities
See how Dover's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | $52,000 | 96 | $54,167 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Auburn, AL | $52,000 | 90 | $57,778 |
| Bakersfield, CA | $52,000 | 96 | $54,167 |
| Fontana, CA | $52,000 | 102 | $50,980 |
| Oxnard, CA | $52,000 | 118 | $44,068 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Dover
Dover's cost of living index is 96 (national average = 100). Living in Dover is 4% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$220,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,050
Annual Rent Cost
$12,600
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $40,961 annual take-home pay in Dover has the purchasing power of approximately $42,667 in an average-cost US area. Your $52,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Dover
Dover's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $52,000.
Salary Tips for Dover Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.5% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Dover's top industries include Government, Military, Education. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $52,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Dover, DE?
The median salary in Dover, DE is $52,000 per year, or $25 per hour. The average salary is $57,500. This is $7,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE?
Dover's cost of living index is 96 (national average = 100), meaning it is 4% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $220,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,050.
What are the best industries in Dover?
The top industries in Dover, DE include Government, Military, Education. The city has a job growth rate of 0.8% and an unemployment rate of 3.8%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $52,000.
How does Dover's salary compare to other cities?
Dover's median salary of $52,000 is 12.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 96), the real purchasing power is approximately $54,167.
What is the minimum wage in Dover, DE?
The minimum wage in Dover, DE is $15.00 per hour. This equals approximately $31,200 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $7.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.