Salary & Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington, NC: $55,000 median salary, cost of living index 100, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$55,000
$26/hr
Cost of Living
100
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
3.2%
rate
Wilmington, NC Overview
Population
115,451
Median Salary
$55,000
Average Salary
$61,000
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$320,000
Median Rent
$1,300/mo
Job Growth
+2.5%
Sales Tax
6.75%
Wilmington is located in North Carolina with a population of 115,451. The median household salary is $55,000 per year ($26/hour), which is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.5%.
Wilmington Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Wilmington, NC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$43,894
$3,657.79/month · $1,688.21/biweekly · Effective Rate: 20.2%
Gross Pay
$55,000
Federal Tax
-$4,562
State Tax
-$2,338
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,208
Net Pay
$43,894
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,583.33 | $55,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$380.13 | -$4,561.50 |
| North Carolina State Tax (4.25%) | -$194.79 | -$2,337.50 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$284.17 | -$3,410.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$66.46 | -$797.50 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,657.79 | $43,893.50 |
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, NC | $55,000 | 100 | $55,000 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Ana, CA | $55,000 | 150 | $36,667 |
| Ontario, CA | $55,000 | 108 | $50,926 |
| New Haven, CT | $55,000 | 115 | $47,826 |
| Cape Coral, FL | $55,000 | 98 | $56,122 |
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 100 (national average = 100). Wilmington's cost of living matches the national average.
Median Home Price
$320,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,300
Annual Rent Cost
$15,600
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $43,894 annual take-home pay in Wilmington has the purchasing power of approximately $43,894 in an average-cost US area. Your $55,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
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 $55,000.
Salary Tips for Wilmington Workers
- Research top industries. Wilmington's top industries include Healthcare, Tourism, Film. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $55,000 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
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Wilmington, NC?
The median salary in Wilmington, NC is $55,000 per year, or $26 per hour. The average salary is $61,000. This is $4,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington's cost of living index is 100 (national average = 100), meaning it is equal to the cost of living compared to the national average. The median home price is $320,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,300.
What are the best industries in Wilmington?
The top industries in Wilmington, NC include Healthcare, Tourism, Film. The city has a job growth rate of 2.5% and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $55,000.
How does Wilmington's salary compare to other cities?
Wilmington's median salary of $55,000 is 7.4% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 100), the real purchasing power is approximately $55,000.
What is the minimum wage in Wilmington, NC?
The minimum wage in Wilmington, NC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.