Legal Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Judge Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median judge salary in Wilmington, DE is $155,432 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$155,432
vs State Avg
+$5,922
vs National
+$7,402
Cost of Living
105%

Judge Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median judge salary of $155,432, which is $5,922 above the Delaware state average of $149,510. Compared to the national median of $148,030, 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 judges in Wilmington spans from $60,900 at the 10th percentile to $241,500 at the 90th percentile — a $180,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,250, while senior judges with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $225,750. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Judge Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level judge earns around $68,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $225,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,250
+$3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$157,500
+$7,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$225,750
+$10,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $60,900
25th Percentile $94,500
Median (50th) $155,432
75th Percentile $204,750
90th Percentile $241,500

Judge Salary in Other Delaware Cities

How to Become a Judge in Wilmington

Education

Most judge positions require a doctoral degree. Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal InterpretationJudicial ReasoningCourt ProceduresImpartialityLegal WritingCase Management

Job Outlook

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

Find Judge Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open judge positions in Wilmington, DE:

Frequently Asked Questions: Judge Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Judge make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median judge salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $155,432 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $148,030. Salaries range from $60,900 (10th percentile) to $241,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Judge make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $155,432, a judge in Wilmington earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for judge pay? ▼
Wilmington's median judge salary of $155,432 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $149,510. 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 judge salary of $155,432 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a judge in Wilmington? ▼
Most judge positions in Wilmington require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Interpretation, Judicial Reasoning, Court Procedures, Impartiality. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.