Hospitality & Tourism Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Restaurant Manager Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median restaurant manager salary in Wilmington, DE is $65,100 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$65,100
vs State Avg
+$2,480
vs National
+$3,100
Cost of Living
105%

Restaurant Manager Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median restaurant manager salary of $65,100, which is $2,480 above the Delaware state average of $62,620. Compared to the national median of $62,000, 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 restaurant managers in Wilmington spans from $39,900 at the 10th percentile to $102,900 at the 90th percentile — a $63,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,000, while senior restaurant managers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $96,600. Wilmington is a smaller market (pop. 70,898), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level restaurant manager earns around $42,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,000
+$2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,200
+$3,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,600
+$4,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $39,900
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $65,100
75th Percentile $84,000
90th Percentile $102,900

Restaurant Manager Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$63,240
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$61,380
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$60,760
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$59,520
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Restaurant Manager in Wilmington

Education

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

Key Skills

Food Service ManagementStaff SupervisionCost ControlCustomer ServiceHealth & SafetyPOS Systems

Job Outlook

Nationally, restaurant manager employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Restaurant Manager Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open restaurant manager positions in Wilmington, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Restaurant Manager Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Restaurant Manager make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median restaurant manager salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $65,100 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $62,000. Salaries range from $39,900 (10th percentile) to $102,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Restaurant Manager make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,100, a restaurant manager in Wilmington earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wilmington compare to the Delaware state average for restaurant manager pay? ▼
Wilmington's median restaurant manager salary of $65,100 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $62,620. 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 restaurant manager salary of $65,100 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a restaurant manager in Wilmington? ▼
Most restaurant manager positions in Wilmington require a high school diploma. Key skills include Food Service Management, Staff Supervision, Cost Control, Customer Service. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.