Dover vs Wilmington: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Dover, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,059▲ | $74,748 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.47▲ | $35.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,094▲ | $43,354 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,633▲ | $53,819 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,035▲ | $95,678 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,940▲ | $115,860 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Dover and Wilmington is $32,311 (43.23%). Dover's median is +33.17% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $103,846,Wilmington spans $72,506. Dover has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dover ($105,269 effective) pays 43.23% more than Wilmington ($73,499 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,059/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($165,940)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,269)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Dover grew -19.0% from 2023 to 2025, compared to -35.3% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Dover, DE
$126,460 (2023) → $102,468 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$110,595 (2024) → $71,543 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov