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Average salary by job family in Wilmington
| Management | $124,150 |
|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical | $101,630 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $99,680 |
| Legal | $96,000 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $94,870 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $86,420 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $86,420 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $60,070 |
| Community and Social Service | $56,550 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $56,210 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $56,070 |
| Construction and Extraction | $54,080 |
| Production | $52,210 |
| Protective Service | $51,030 |
| Sales and Related | $48,740 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $45,600 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $42,940 |
| Healthcare Support | $39,630 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $38,500 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $37,280 |
| Personal Care and Service | $35,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $33,340 |
Highest-paying jobs in Wilmington
- Chief Executives$348,500
- Physicians, All Other$256,140
- Nurse Anesthetists$222,520
- Family Medicine Physicians$204,990
- Optometrists$204,680
- Dentists, General$198,130
- Natural Sciences Managers$182,550
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$176,290
- Financial Managers$174,420
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$168,640
Most common jobs in Wilmington and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 6,310 | $33,970 | $30,790 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 5,100 | $28,200 | $27,460 |
| Registered Nurses | 5,040 | $87,900 | $80,970 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 4,920 | $36,000 | $30,610 |
| Cashiers | 4,860 | $29,010 | $28,520 |
| Cooks, Fast Food | 3,880 | $26,470 | $27,500 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 3,440 | $34,140 | $34,940 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 3,430 | $35,760 | $35,300 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 3,310 | $41,640 | $37,160 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 2,850 | $41,250 | $38,100 |
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Cost of living in Wilmington
Prices in the Wilmington area are 4% below the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 96.4 for 2024. The average local salary of $58,480 therefore buys what $60,650 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $446,210, 6.1 times the median household income of $73,687.
$446,210typical home value
$73,687median household income
96.4BEA price parity
440,578metro population
Take-home pay in Wilmington
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $34,160 | $28,773 | $2,398 |
| Median wage | $45,800 | $37,662 | $3,138 |
| Average wage | $58,480 | $47,344 | $3,945 |
| 75th percentile wage | $66,270 | $53,225 | $4,435 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
Salaries for every job in Wilmington
Management27 jobs
- Chief Executives$348K
- Natural Sciences Managers$183K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$176K
- Financial Managers$174K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$169K
- Marketing Managers$164K
- Human Resources Managers$158K
- Purchasing Managers$148K
- Sales Managers$145K
- Industrial Production Managers$140K
- Managers, All Other$139K
- Public Relations Managers$134K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$133K
- Facilities Managers$123K
- Training and Development Managers$121K
- General and Operations Managers$118K
- Construction Managers$117K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$113K
- Administrative Services Managers$113K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$103K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$93K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$88K
- Social and Community Service Managers$84K
- Food Service Managers$73K
- Lodging Managers$67K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$65K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$63K
Computer and Mathematical13 jobs
- Software Developers$131K
- Database Architects$127K
- Information Security Analysts$127K
- Computer Network Architects$121K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$102K
- Computer Systems Analysts$100K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$100K
- Data Scientists$99K
- Web Developers$93K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$85K
- Computer Programmers$81K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$74K
- Computer User Support Specialists$64K
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical38 jobs
- Physicians, All Other$256K
- Nurse Anesthetists$223K
- Family Medicine Physicians$205K
- Optometrists$205K
- Dentists, General$198K
- Pharmacists$145K
- Veterinarians$144K
- Physician Assistants$131K
- Nurse Practitioners$125K
- Physical Therapists$96K
- Dental Hygienists$93K
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$93K
- Occupational Therapists$89K
- Registered Nurses$88K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$87K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$87K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$85K
- Chiropractors$80K
- Respiratory Therapists$80K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$72K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$62K
- Athletic Trainers$61K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$60K
- Paramedics$60K
- Therapists, All Other$59K
- Surgical Technologists$58K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$58K
- Exercise Physiologists$56K
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$55K
- Medical Records Specialists$55K
- Opticians, Dispensing$52K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$52K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$49K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$48K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$48K
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$45K
- Pharmacy Technicians$44K
- Psychiatric Technicians$38K
Legal2 jobs
Architecture and Engineering18 jobs
- Nuclear Engineers$130K
- Electrical Engineers$128K
- Engineers, All Other$116K
- Mechanical Engineers$110K
- Industrial Engineers$106K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$103K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$99K
- Civil Engineers$97K
- Surveyors$83K
- Landscape Architects$80K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$78K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$77K
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$76K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$73K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$69K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$63K
- Mechanical Drafters$59K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$55K
Business and Financial Operations24 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$140K
- Management Analysts$114K
- Loan Officers$103K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$98K
- Project Management Specialists$96K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$94K
- Credit Analysts$94K
- Accountants and Auditors$86K
- Logisticians$86K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$80K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$80K
- Compliance Officers$80K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$77K
- Cost Estimators$75K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$74K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$74K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$72K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$71K
- Fundraisers$71K
- Human Resources Specialists$70K
- Budget Analysts$69K
- Training and Development Specialists$67K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$58K
- Tax Preparers$56K
Life, Physical, and Social Science15 jobs
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$112K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$108K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$101K
- Microbiologists$95K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$92K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$89K
- Chemists$83K
- Urban and Regional Planners$76K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$72K
- School Psychologists$68K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$65K
- Biological Technicians$63K
- Chemical Technicians$62K
- Social Science Research Assistants$51K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$49K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media14 jobs
- Technical Writers$102K
- Art Directors$92K
- Producers and Directors$77K
- Public Relations Specialists$72K
- Graphic Designers$64K
- Writers and Authors$59K
- Interior Designers$54K
- Coaches and Scouts$53K
- Broadcast Technicians$49K
- Audio and Video Technicians$48K
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$47K
- Photographers$46K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$41K
- Floral Designers$40K
Community and Social Service13 jobs
- Social Workers, All Other$81K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$64K
- Health Education Specialists$63K
- Healthcare Social Workers$63K
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$58K
- Clergy$58K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$57K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$57K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$56K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$54K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$48K
- Community Health Workers$48K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$46K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair25 jobs
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$102K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$77K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$72K
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$72K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$69K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$65K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$65K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$61K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$59K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$59K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$59K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$57K
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$57K
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$54K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$54K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$53K
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers$50K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$49K
- Home Appliance Repairers$48K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$47K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$47K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$46K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$46K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$36K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$35K
Educational Instruction and Library36 jobs
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$155K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$122K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$119K
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$110K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$102K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$101K
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$98K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$97K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$96K
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$95K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$95K
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary$95K
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$94K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$88K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$84K
- Instructional Coordinators$66K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$64K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$57K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$57K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$54K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$54K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$53K
- Curators$53K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$53K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$52K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$52K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$52K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$51K
- Library Technicians$50K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$49K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$47K
- Tutors$45K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$44K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$36K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$36K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$33K
Construction and Extraction24 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$72K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$68K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$56K
- Electricians$55K
- Carpenters$52K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$50K
- Sheet Metal Workers$50K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$50K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$50K
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$49K
- Glaziers$48K
- Construction Laborers$48K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$48K
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$48K
- Roofers$48K
- Pipelayers$48K
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical$48K
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$45K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$45K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$42K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$41K
- Helpers--Carpenters$40K
- Helpers--Electricians$39K
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$38K
Production27 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$79K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$62K
- Machinists$62K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$59K
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$58K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$55K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$55K
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$53K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$48K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$48K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46K
- Dental Laboratory Technicians$46K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$42K
- Production Workers, All Other$42K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$41K
- Printing Press Operators$40K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$40K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$40K
- Helpers--Production Workers$40K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$40K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$38K
- Bakers$34K
- Sewing Machine Operators$33K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$31K
Protective Service14 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$94K
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$78K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$69K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$69K
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$69K
- Transportation Security Screeners$63K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$55K
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators$51K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$48K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$44K
- Security Guards$43K
- Firefighters$39K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$34K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$28K
Sales and Related15 jobs
- Sales Engineers$126K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$120K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$94K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$89K
- Real Estate Brokers$84K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$81K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$77K
- Insurance Sales Agents$76K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$54K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$52K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$44K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$40K
- Parts Salespersons$39K
- Retail Salespersons$34K
- Cashiers$29K
Office and Administrative Support36 jobs
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$65K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$65K
- Postal Service Clerks$62K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$60K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$58K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$54K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$53K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$53K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$50K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$49K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$48K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$48K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$48K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$47K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$47K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$47K
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$47K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$46K
- Order Clerks$45K
- Bill and Account Collectors$45K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$44K
- Tellers$43K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$43K
- File Clerks$42K
- Data Entry Keyers$41K
- Customer Service Representatives$41K
- Office Clerks, General$41K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$39K
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer$39K
- Meter Readers, Utilities$39K
- Couriers and Messengers$39K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$38K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$38K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$37K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$35K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$30K
Transportation and Material Moving19 jobs
- Commercial Pilots$163K
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$73K
- Crane and Tower Operators$70K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$63K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$52K
- Sailors and Marine Oilers$48K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$44K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$43K
- Light Truck Drivers$42K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$42K
- Bus Drivers, School$37K
- Driver/Sales Workers$36K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$36K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$35K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$33K
- Parking Attendants$32K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$32K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$32K
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$30K
Healthcare Support14 jobs
- Physical Therapist Assistants$72K
- Massage Therapists$68K
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$68K
- Dental Assistants$51K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$47K
- Medical Transcriptionists$45K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$44K
- Medical Assistants$42K
- Phlebotomists$41K
- Pharmacy Aides$39K
- Nursing Assistants$38K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$37K
- Physical Therapist Aides$34K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$32K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry1 jobs
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance7 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$57K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$47K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$44K
- Pest Control Workers$42K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$38K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$35K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$33K
Personal Care and Service14 jobs
- Skincare Specialists$53K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$52K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$51K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$48K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$42K
- Residential Advisors$41K
- Animal Trainers$41K
- Recreation Workers$37K
- Tour and Travel Guides$33K
- Funeral Attendants$33K
- Animal Caretakers$32K
- Childcare Workers$31K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$30K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$23K
Food Preparation and Serving Related15 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$61K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$46K
- Bartenders$43K
- Waiters and Waitresses$36K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$36K
- Cooks, Restaurant$34K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$33K
- Food Preparation Workers$33K
- Cooks, Short Order$31K
- Dishwashers$30K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$30K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$29K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$28K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$27K
- Cooks, Fast Food$26K
Average salary in nearby cities
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Salary in Wilmington: questions
What is a good salary in Wilmington?
Half of all workers in the Wilmington metro earn less than $45,800 and the average is $58,480. Earning more than $66,270 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in Wilmington to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $67,274, because prices here are 4% below the U.S. average (BEA price parity 96.4).
What are the highest-paying jobs in Wilmington?
Chief Executives ($348,500), Physicians, All Other ($256,140), Nurse Anesthetists ($222,520).
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area Wilmington, NC (48900), all occupations and 411 individual jobs. What a metro area includes.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.