Newark vs Wilmington: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer 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 | $161,758 | $181,733▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $77.77 | $87.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,820 | $105,406▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $116,466 | $130,848▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $207,051 | $232,618▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $250,725 | $281,686▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Newark and Wilmington is $19,975 (12.35%). Wilmington's median is +8.71% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $156,905,Wilmington spans $176,280. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($178,695 effective) pays 12.35% more than Newark ($159,054 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 ($181,733/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($281,686)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $178,695)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Newark grew -1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.4% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Newark, DE
$156,619 (2024) → $154,497 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$158,724 (2024) → $173,575 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Newark or Wilmington?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov