Middletown vs Wilmington: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Middletown, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Middletown, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,522 | $61,746▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.25 | $29.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,073 | $44,520▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,230 | $52,871▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,692 | $71,302▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,846 | $86,491▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middletown.
The salary gap between Middletown and Wilmington is $9,224 (17.56%). Wilmington's median is +10.47% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middletown spans $30,773,Wilmington spans $41,971. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced welders.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($60,714 effective) pays 17.56% more than Middletown ($51,644 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,746/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,491)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,714)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Middletown grew -4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.5% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Middletown, DE
$52,621 (2024) → $50,507 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$57,345 (2024) → $59,377 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Middletown or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Middletown and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Middletown to Wilmington as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Middletown vs Wilmington?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov