Salary & Cost of Living in Wilmington, DE
Wilmington, DE: $62,000 median salary, cost of living index 105, $15.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$62,000
$30/hr
Cost of Living
105
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.00
per hour
Unemployment
4%
rate
Wilmington, DE Overview
Population
70,898
Median Salary
$62,000
Average Salary
$69,000
Avg Commute
25 min
Median Home Price
$250,000
Median Rent
$1,200/mo
Job Growth
+1.2%
Sales Tax
0%
Wilmington is located in Delaware with a population of 70,898. The median household salary is $62,000 per year ($30/hour), which is $2,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.2%.
Wilmington Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Wilmington, DE, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$47,671
$3,972.54/month · $1,833.48/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.1%
Gross Pay
$62,000
Federal Tax
-$5,402
State Tax
-$3,410
Local Tax
-$775
FICA
-$4,743
Net Pay
$47,671
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,166.67 | $62,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$450.13 | -$5,401.50 |
| Delaware State Tax (5.5%) | -$284.17 | -$3,410.00 |
| Local Tax (1.25%) | -$64.58 | -$775.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$320.33 | -$3,844.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$74.92 | -$899.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,972.54 | $47,670.50 |
Salary Comparison: Wilmington vs Other Cities
See how Wilmington's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington, DE | $62,000 | 105 | $59,048 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Tempe, AZ | $62,000 | 105 | $59,048 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FL | $62,000 | 118 | $52,542 |
| Miramar, FL | $62,000 | 112 | $55,357 |
| Des Moines, IA | $62,000 | 90 | $68,889 |
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 Wilmington
Wilmington's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100). Living in Wilmington is 5% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$250,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,200
Annual Rent Cost
$14,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $47,671 annual take-home pay in Wilmington has the purchasing power of approximately $45,400 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $65,100 in Wilmington to match a $62,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Wilmington
Wilmington's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $62,000.
Salary Tips for Wilmington 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. Wilmington's top industries include Finance, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $62,000 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.
Explore Salaries Across the US
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Wilmington, DE?
The median salary in Wilmington, DE is $62,000 per year, or $30 per hour. The average salary is $69,000. This is $2,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE?
Wilmington's cost of living index is 105 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $250,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,200.
What are the best industries in Wilmington?
The top industries in Wilmington, DE include Finance, Pharmaceuticals, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 1.2% and an unemployment rate of 4%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $62,000.
How does Wilmington's salary compare to other cities?
Wilmington's median salary of $62,000 is 4.4% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 105), the real purchasing power is approximately $59,048.
What is the minimum wage in Wilmington, DE?
The minimum wage in Wilmington, 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.