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City Manager Salary in Wilmington, DE

How much does a city manager make in Wilmington? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Wilmington's cost of living.

Median Salary
$179,766
per year in Wilmington
Entry Level
$106,147
Starting salary
Senior Level
$248,247
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how city manager salaries break down across different pay periods in Wilmington.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$106,147$179,766$248,247
Monthly$8,846$14,981$20,687
Biweekly$4,083$6,914$9,548
Weekly$2,041$3,457$4,774
Hourly$51$86$119

Wilmington vs National Average

How Wilmington's city manager salaries compare to national figures.

Wilmington Salary
$179,766
COL Index: 108
National Average
$154,120
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$25,646
Higher in Wilmington

Cost of Living in Wilmington

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,300
per month
Median Income
$46,520
per year
Population
70,898
residents
Rent % of Income
33.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 108 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Wilmington have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About City Manager

Overview

Oversee city government operations and administration.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field

Key Skills

Public AdministrationBudget ManagementLeadershipStrategic Planning

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: City Manager Salary

See City Manager salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$360,256
+100%
Los Angeles, CA
$231,500
+29%
Chicago, IL
$181,245
+1%
Houston, TX
$144,950
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$164,980
-8%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a city manager salary in Wilmington.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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City Manager Salary in Wilmington, DE — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a city manager in Wilmington, DE is $179,766 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 108. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Wilmington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level city manager professionals in Wilmington can expect to earn around $106,147 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level city managers earning approximately $248,247 per year. This represents a 134% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Wilmington's cost of living index of 108 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Wilmington are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $154,120, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a city manager's salary in Wilmington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 8.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

City Managers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Wilmington, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.