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Lawyer Salary in Wilmington, DE β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Wilmington's cost of living (index: 103). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Lawyer Salary in Wilmington β€” Key Numbers

$150,133
Median Salary
$98,097
25th Percentile
$233,027
75th Percentile
$360,500
90th Percentile
National median (Lawyer)$145,760
vs. National median+3.0%
Wilmington median household income$68,800
vs. City household income+118.2%

Cost of Living in Wilmington

Cost of Living Index
103(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio10.8%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$295,000
Home Price / Salary2.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$59,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.0 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Wilmington

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
740,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
37.2
Median Age

Wilmington has a metro population of 740,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyer make in Wilmington, DE?

The estimated median salary for a Lawyer in Wilmington is $150,133 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $145,760 adjusted by Wilmington's cost of living index (103). The typical salary range runs from $98,097 (25th percentile) to $233,027 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $360,500.

Is Wilmington affordable for a Lawyer?

On a $150,133 annual salary, a Lawyer in Wilmington would spend approximately 10.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Wilmington relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $295,000 is 2.0Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Lawyer's salary compare to Wilmington's overall income?

Wilmington's median household income is $68,800. A Lawyer earning the city-adjusted median of $150,133 earns 118.2% more than the typical Wilmington household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.