Creative & Education Wilmington, DE Pop. 70,898

Social Worker Salary in Wilmington, Delaware

The median social worker salary in Wilmington, DE is $58,118 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 4.0% above the Delaware state average.

City Median
$58,118
vs State Avg
+$2,214
vs National
+$2,768
Cost of Living
105%

Social Worker Pay in Wilmington: What to Expect (2026)

Wilmington offers a median social worker salary of $58,118, which is $2,214 above the Delaware state average of $55,904. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 social workers in Wilmington spans from $38,220 at the 10th percentile to $92,190 at the 90th percentile — a $53,970 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,900, while senior social workers 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.

Social Worker Salary in Wilmington by Experience

In Wilmington, an entry-level social worker earns around $39,900, 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)
$39,900
+$1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,800
+$2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,100
+$4,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wilmington, DE

Percentile Wilmington
10th Percentile $38,220
25th Percentile $46,410
Median (50th) $58,118
75th Percentile $73,920
90th Percentile $92,190

Social Worker Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Newark, DE
$56,457
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$54,797
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$54,243
Pop. 22,350
Dover, DE
$53,136
Pop. 39,403

How to Become a Social Worker in Wilmington

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Wilmington may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Wilmington

Browse open social worker positions in Wilmington, DE:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Wilmington

How much does a Social Worker make in Wilmington, DE? ▼
The median social worker salary in Wilmington, Delaware is $58,118 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $38,220 (10th percentile) to $92,190 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Wilmington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,118, a social worker 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 social worker pay? ▼
Wilmington's median social worker salary of $58,118 is 4.0% above the Delaware state average of $55,904. 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 social worker salary of $58,118 in Wilmington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Wilmington? ▼
Most social worker positions in Wilmington require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.