Smyrna vs Wilmington: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Smyrna, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Smyrna, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,333 | $74,147▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.49 | $35.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,757 | $52,079▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,137 | $58,294▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,995 | $93,116▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,775 | $114,928▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Smyrna and Wilmington is $12,814 (20.89%). Wilmington's median is +13.90% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Smyrna spans $45,018,Wilmington spans $62,849. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($72,908 effective) pays 20.89% more than Smyrna ($60,308 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,147/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,928)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,908)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Smyrna grew 1.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.8% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Smyrna, DE
$58,415 (2024) → $59,253 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$63,490 (2024) → $71,633 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Smyrna or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Smyrna and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Smyrna to Wilmington as a paralegal?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov