Salaries in Dover, DE
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s a fun fact about Dover that most people miss: you can actually afford to live here on a middle-class salary. That’s not true in a lot of state capitals, even smaller ones. The state capital of Delaware has a median income that feels almost implausibly livable for 2026.
The secret is the cost-of-living index, which sits at 91.7. That’s nearly 10% below the national average. So while the median household income is $58,336, that money buys more than you’d think. A one-bedroom apartment runs about $1,117 a month. When you adjust for that, the city’s average salary of $77,367 feels like it’s pulling the weight of $84,369 in a typical American city. It’s a genuine purchasing power story, not just a statistical quirk.
So who’s actually making real money here? The top-paying jobs aren’t a surprise, but their local value is. A marketing manager can clear $153,695, but here that feels like a $167,606 paycheck. Pharmacists and software developers break the low six figures easily. That tracks with Dover’s economic anchors: you’ve got the state government, a major Air Force base, and a surprising cluster of healthcare and tech services feeding off that. Construction managers are busy, too, with steady development.
But here’s the honest catch: the unemployment rate is a healthy 4.0%, yet only 27.1% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher. The wages are good, but they’re not necessarily soaring. If you’re in one of those top-tier professions, Dover is a financial sweet spot. If you’re not, you can still get by, but you’re likely not seeing your paycheck stretch quite as far as the averages suggest.
The data below breaks down exactly how salaries stack up against the cost of living, and for whom this city makes the most sense.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Dover
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Dover
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (92/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing Manager | $153,695 |
| 2 | Pharmacist | $132,642 |
| 3 | Software Developer | $124,091 |
| 4 | Construction Manager | $105,515 |
| 5 | Project Manager | $98,758 |
| 6 | Physical Therapist | $97,227 |
| 7 | Financial Analyst | $96,544 |
| 8 | Web Developer | $90,440 |
| 9 | Dental Hygienist | $85,350 |
| 10 | Accountant | $83,936 |
| 11 | Registered Nurse | $83,926 |
| 12 | Data Analyst | $81,284 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $73,044 |
| 14 | Human Resources Specialist | $65,965 |
| 15 | Elementary School Teacher | $62,084 |
| 16 | Plumber | $61,772 |
| 17 | Paralegal | $61,187 |
| 18 | Electrician | $60,017 |
| 19 | Real Estate Agent | $59,949 |
| 20 | Graphic Designer | $59,812 |
| 21 | Firefighter | $55,697 |
| 22 | Carpenter | $55,502 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $54,283 |
| 24 | Heavy Truck Driver | $51,768 |
| 25 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $48,755 |
| 26 | Welder | $48,355 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $37,317 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Dover
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Dover?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Dover. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Dover Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Dover Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Dover is a solid middle-ground play. With an average salary of $77,367 and a cost-of-living index at 91.7, your money stretches further than in most cities. Rent at $1,117/month is a relief, but don't expect a coastal metropolis vibe.
Financially, it's worth it if you value stability and affordability over high-octane career growth. The standout winner here is marketing, especially when you factor in the COL-adjusted salary of $167,606. For everyone else, it’s decent, but not dazzling.
Ultimately, this place favors steady, practical professionals. If you're in healthcare, skilled trades, or even tech looking for a quieter base, Dover makes sense. It’s less about rocket-fuel growth and more about building a comfortable life without the financial stress.
My one piece of advice? Before you commit, spend a week here, especially in winter. If the quiet, slower pace doesn't drain you, the numbers will likely work in your favor.