Media & Communications Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Journalist Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median journalist salary in Wilmington, DE is $58,758 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$58,758
vs State Avg
+$2,238
vs National
+$2,798
Cost of Living
105%

Journalist Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median journalist salary of $58,758, which is $2,238 above the Delaware state average of $56,520. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 journalists in Wilmington spans from $33,600 at the 10th percentile to $115,500 at the 90th percentile — a $81,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,750, while senior journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,000. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Journalist Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level journalist earns around $36,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,000 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)
$60,900
+$2,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,000
+$5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $33,600
25th Percentile $42,000
Median (50th) $58,758
75th Percentile $81,900
90th Percentile $115,500

Journalist Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$57,079
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$55,400
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$54,841
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$53,722
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Journalist in Wilmington

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Journalist Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open journalist positions in Wilmington, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Journalist make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median journalist salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $58,758 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $33,600 (10th percentile) to $115,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,758, a journalist in Wilmington earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for journalist pay? ▼
Wilmington's median journalist salary of $58,758 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $56,520. 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 journalist salary of $58,758 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a journalist in Wilmington? ▼
Most journalist positions in Wilmington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Writing, Investigative Research, Interviewing, AP Style. The job market is projected to grow -3% nationally over the next decade.