Business & Finance Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Economist Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median economist salary in Wilmington, DE is $125,334 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median and 3.8% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$125,334
vs State Avg
+$4,558
vs National
+$11,394
Cost of Living
105%

Economist Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median economist salary of $125,334, which is $4,558 above the Delaware state average of $120,776. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in Wilmington spans from $68,200 at the 10th percentile to $217,800 at the 90th percentile — a $149,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,500, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $203,500. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Economist Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level economist earns around $71,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $203,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,500
+$6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,500
+$11,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$203,500
+$18,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $68,200
25th Percentile $90,200
Median (50th) $125,334
75th Percentile $170,500
90th Percentile $217,800

Economist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

How to Become a Economist in Wilmington

Education

Most economist positions require a master's degree. Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open economist positions in Wilmington, DE:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Economist make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median economist salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $125,334 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $68,200 (10th percentile) to $217,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $125,334, a economist in Wilmington earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for economist pay? ▼
Wilmington's median economist salary of $125,334 is 3.8% above the Delaware state average of $120,776. 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 economist salary of $125,334 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Wilmington? ▼
Most economist positions in Wilmington require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.