TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Software Engineer Salary
in Wilmington, DE

Design, develop, and maintain software systems. One of the highest-demand roles in the US labor market. Median salary in Wilmington: $140K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$140K
per year
Take-home: $89K

Salary range in Wilmington

Entry level (25th)$103,000
Median (50th)$140,000
Senior (75th)$178,000
Top earner (90th)$227,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Wilmington, Delaware.

Key facts for Wilmington

Median salary
$140K
annual
Take-home pay
$89K
after fed/state tax
COL index
108
100 = US avg
State income tax
6.6%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,350
per month
YoY growth
+4.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Wilmington Software Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $169K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Wilmington

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Software Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$117K$132K$147K$162K$177K201920212023202520272029
2026
$147K
projected
2027
$154K
projected
2028
$161K
projected
2029
$169K
projected
2030
$177K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$147,000+$7,000
2028 projected$154,000+$14,000
2029 projected$161,000+$21,000
2030 projected$169,000+$29,000

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Software Engineer Salary in Wilmington, Delaware: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Software Engineer salary in Wilmington, DE is $140,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Wilmington–DE metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Software Engineer in Wilmington

Entry-level Software Engineers in Wilmington with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $103,000 and $140,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $140,000 to $178,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $178,000 to $227,000 or more.

Cost of living in Wilmington for Software Engineers

Wilmington has a cost of living index of 108 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Wilmington are close to the national average. Delaware has a 6.6% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Software Engineer

Bachelor's in CS or related. This role is 72% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Wilmington-based professionals.

Software Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Wilmington (current)$140K108
Dover$130K100