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Firefighter Salary in Wilmington, DE

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

Median Salary
$70,404
per year in Wilmington
Entry Level
$42,485
Starting salary
Senior Level
$99,537
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
108
8% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$42,485$70,404$99,537
Monthly$3,540$5,867$8,295
Biweekly$1,634$2,708$3,828
Weekly$817$1,354$1,914
Hourly$20$34$48

Wilmington vs National Average

How Wilmington's firefighter salaries compare to national figures.

Wilmington Salary
$70,404
COL Index: 108
National Average
$60,360
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$10,044
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 Firefighter

Overview

Respond to fires and emergencies to protect lives and property.

Education

High school diploma; firefighter training and certification required

Key Skills

Emergency ResponsePhysical FitnessTeamworkFire Safety

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +11% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Firefighter Salary

See Firefighter salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$105,250
+49%
Los Angeles, CA
$99,210
+41%
Chicago, IL
$88,290
+25%
Houston, TX
$59,820
-15%
Phoenix, AZ
$61,640
-12%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Firefighter Salary in Wilmington, DE — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a firefighter in Wilmington, DE is $70,404 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 firefighter professionals in Wilmington can expect to earn around $42,485 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level firefighters earning approximately $99,537 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 $60,360, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a firefighter's salary in Wilmington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,300 per month, housing represents about 22.2% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Firefighters are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 11% 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.