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Military Enlisted 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.

Military Enlisted Salary in Wilmington β€” Key Numbers

$42,230
Median Salary
$30,385
25th Percentile
$58,504
75th Percentile
$76,220
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median+3.0%
Wilmington median household income$68,800
vs. City household income-38.6%

Cost of Living in Wilmington

Cost of Living Index
103(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio38.4%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$295,000
Home Price / Salary7.0Γ—
20% Down Payment$59,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.0 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 Military Enlisted make in Wilmington, DE?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Wilmington is $42,230 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Wilmington's cost of living index (103). The typical salary range runs from $30,385 (25th percentile) to $58,504 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $76,220.

Is Wilmington affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $42,230 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Wilmington would spend approximately 38.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Wilmington may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $295,000 is 7.0Γ— the annual salary.

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

Wilmington's median household income is $68,800. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $42,230 earns 38.6% less than the typical Wilmington household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Wilmington has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.