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Retail Manager 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.

Retail Manager Salary in Wilmington β€” Key Numbers

$49,852
Median Salary
$37,162
25th Percentile
$68,825
75th Percentile
$92,906
90th Percentile
National median (Retail Manager)$48,400
vs. National median+3.0%
Wilmington median household income$68,800
vs. City household income-27.5%

Cost of Living in Wilmington

Cost of Living Index
103(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,350/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio32.5%
Annual rent cost$16,200
Median Home Price$295,000
Home Price / Salary5.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$59,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.9 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 Retail Manager make in Wilmington, DE?

The estimated median salary for a Retail Manager in Wilmington is $49,852 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $48,400 adjusted by Wilmington's cost of living index (103). The typical salary range runs from $37,162 (25th percentile) to $68,825 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $92,906.

Is Wilmington affordable for a Retail Manager?

On a $49,852 annual salary, a Retail Manager in Wilmington would spend approximately 32.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,350/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $295,000 is 5.9Γ— the annual salary.

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

Wilmington's median household income is $68,800. A Retail Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $49,852 earns 27.5% 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.