Smyrna vs Wilmington: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer 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 | $68,075 | $93,898▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.73 | $45.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,636 | $57,690▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,181 | $71,712▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $84,834 | $118,608▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,360 | $137,925▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Smyrna and Wilmington is $25,823 (37.93%). Wilmington's median is +19.55% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Smyrna spans $49,724,Wilmington spans $80,235. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($92,328 effective) pays 37.93% more than Smyrna ($66,937 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 ($93,898/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,925)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,328)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Smyrna grew -2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.6% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Smyrna, DE
$67,837 (2024) → $66,054 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$73,730 (2024) → $91,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Smyrna or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Smyrna and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Smyrna to Wilmington as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Smyrna vs Wilmington?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov