Public Service Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Correctional Officer Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median correctional officer salary in Wilmington, DE is $52,091 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$52,091
vs State Avg
+$1,985
vs National
+$2,481
Cost of Living
105%

Correctional Officer Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median correctional officer salary of $52,091, which is $1,985 above the Delaware state average of $50,106. Compared to the national median of $49,610, 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 correctional officers in Wilmington spans from $34,650 at the 10th percentile to $81,900 at the 90th percentile — a $47,250 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,750, while senior correctional officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,600. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Correctional Officer Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level correctional officer earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,600 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)
$52,500
+$2,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,600
+$3,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $34,650
25th Percentile $40,950
Median (50th) $52,091
75th Percentile $66,150
90th Percentile $81,900

Correctional Officer Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$50,602
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$49,114
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$48,618
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$47,626
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Correctional Officer in Wilmington

Education

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

Key Skills

SecurityConflict ResolutionReport WritingPhysical FitnessCommunicationCrisis Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, correctional officer employment is projected to grow -2% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open correctional officer positions in Wilmington, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Correctional Officer Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Correctional Officer make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median correctional officer salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $52,091 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $49,610. Salaries range from $34,650 (10th percentile) to $81,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Correctional Officer make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,091, a correctional officer in Wilmington earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for correctional officer pay? ▼
Wilmington's median correctional officer salary of $52,091 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $50,106. 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 correctional officer salary of $52,091 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a correctional officer in Wilmington? ▼
Most correctional officer positions in Wilmington require a high school diploma. Key skills include Security, Conflict Resolution, Report Writing, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow -2% nationally over the next decade.