Newark vs Wilmington: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Newark, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,339 | $134,654▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.74 | $64.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,977 | $84,234▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,995 | $101,702▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,471 | $168,372▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $184,203 | $200,113▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Newark and Wilmington is $8,315 (6.58%). Wilmington's median is +7.69% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $101,226,Wilmington spans $115,879. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($132,403 effective) pays 6.58% more than Newark ($124,227 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newark if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,654/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,113)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,403)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Newark grew 4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Newark, DE
$116,201 (2024) → $121,890 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$117,763 (2024) → $129,912 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Newark or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Newark to Wilmington as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Newark vs Wilmington?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov