Creative & Education Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Chef Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median chef salary in Wilmington, DE is $59,346 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$59,346
vs State Avg
+$2,261
vs National
+$2,826
Cost of Living
105%

Chef Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median chef salary of $59,346, which is $2,261 above the Delaware state average of $57,085. Compared to the national median of $56,520, Wilmington pays above average for this role.

Wilmington's cost of living is 105% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for chefs in Wilmington spans from $34,860 at the 10th percentile to $102,690 at the 90th percentile — a $67,830 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,750, while senior chefs with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $92,400. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chef Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level chef earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,750
+$1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $34,860
25th Percentile $44,310
Median (50th) $59,346
75th Percentile $78,750
90th Percentile $102,690

Chef Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$57,650
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$55,955
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$55,390
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$54,259
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Chef in Wilmington

Education

Most chef positions require a high school diploma. Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Culinary ArtsMenu PlanningFood SafetyKitchen ManagementCost ControlCreativity

Job Outlook

Nationally, chef employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chef Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open chef positions in Wilmington, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chef Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Chef make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median chef salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $59,346 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $56,520. Salaries range from $34,860 (10th percentile) to $102,690 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chef make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,346, a chef in Wilmington earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for chef pay? ▼
Wilmington's median chef salary of $59,346 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $57,085. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, DE? ▼
Wilmington has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a chef salary of $59,346 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chef in Wilmington? ▼
Most chef positions in Wilmington require a high school diploma. Key skills include Culinary Arts, Menu Planning, Food Safety, Kitchen Management. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.