Bear vs Wilmington: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Bear, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,864 | $103,767▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.49 | $49.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,057▲ | $69,284 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,278▲ | $80,771 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,327 | $131,626▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,966 | $160,839▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Wilmington is $2,903 (2.88%). Wilmington's median is +0.27% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $77,909,Wilmington spans $91,555. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($102,032 effective) pays 2.88% more than Bear ($99,178 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,767/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,839)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,032)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Bear grew -1.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.2% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Bear, DE
$99,409 (2024) → $98,279 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$104,451 (2024) → $101,108 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov