Public Service Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Firefighter Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median firefighter salary in Wilmington, DE is $54,264 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$54,264
vs State Avg
+$2,067
vs National
+$2,584
Cost of Living
105%

Firefighter Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median firefighter salary of $54,264, which is $2,067 above the Delaware state average of $52,197. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 firefighters in Wilmington spans from $31,080 at the 10th percentile to $97,440 at the 90th percentile — a $66,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,600, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,100. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level firefighter earns around $33,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,600
+$1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,600
+$2,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $31,080
25th Percentile $40,530
Median (50th) $54,264
75th Percentile $74,760
90th Percentile $97,440

Firefighter Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$52,714
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$51,163
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$50,646
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$49,613
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Firefighter in Wilmington

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open firefighter positions in Wilmington, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Firefighter make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $54,264 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $31,080 (10th percentile) to $97,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,264, a firefighter in Wilmington earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Wilmington's median firefighter salary of $54,264 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $52,197. 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 firefighter salary of $54,264 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Wilmington? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Wilmington require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.