Salaries in Milford, DE
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the thing about Milford: you can earn a six-figure salary here and still feel like you’re living in a small town. The city’s top-paying job, a software developer, pulls in $128,405, yet you’ll find them grabbing coffee at the same spots as the nurses and teachers. It’s a jarring mix of high-tech paychecks and a deeply local vibe.
Don’t let the median household income of $55,265 fool you. With a cost of living index of 103.0—just a hair above the national average—your dollar stretches, but only so far. That $1,236 monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment eats up a bigger slice of a typical paycheck here than it might in a true bargain city. It’s not a steal, but for those earning above the median, it’s certainly manageable.
Milford’s economy isn’t powered by a single giant, but by a steady mix of healthcare, education, and skilled trades. Bayhealth Medical Center is a major anchor, keeping registered nurses in high demand and well-compensated at nearly $87,000. The local school district employs a chunk of the workforce, and the steady hum of construction and trade work keeps electricians busy and earning over $62,000. It’s a practical, resilient job market.
Here’s my honest take: wages here aren’t exploding, but they’re not stagnant either. The COL-adjusted average salary of $55,844 means you’re not falling behind, but you’re not getting rich quick. This city works best for skilled professionals—like the accountants, software developers, and nurses who top the charts—or for couples who can combine incomes. For a single earner aiming for the middle class, it’s a tight fit.
The data below breaks down exactly who wins in Milford’s economy and who might find the math a challenge.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Milford
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Milford
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (103/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $128,405 |
| 2 | Accountant | $86,854 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $86,844 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $64,243 |
| 5 | Electrician | $62,103 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $62,033 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,567 |
| 8 | Marketing Manager | $50,449 |
| 9 | Medical Assistant | $50,449 |
| 10 | Paralegal | $50,449 |
| 11 | Financial Analyst | $50,449 |
| 12 | Welder | $50,449 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $50,449 |
| 14 | Project Manager | $50,449 |
| 15 | Graphic Designer | $50,449 |
| 16 | Data Analyst | $50,449 |
| 17 | Plumber | $50,449 |
| 18 | Carpenter | $50,449 |
| 19 | Physical Therapist | $50,449 |
| 20 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,449 |
| 21 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,449 |
| 22 | HVAC Technician | $50,449 |
| 23 | Pharmacist | $50,449 |
| 24 | Construction Manager | $50,449 |
| 25 | Firefighter | $50,449 |
| 26 | Web Developer | $50,449 |
| 27 | Dental Hygienist | $50,449 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Milford
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Milford?
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❓ Milford Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Milford Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Milford isn’t a gold rush, but it’s a solid bet if you’re strategic. With an average salary of $57,519 and a cost-of-living index just above the national average (103.0), you’re not getting rich overnight, but your paycheck stretches further than in bigger coastal hubs. Rent at $1,236/month is manageable, especially if you’re splitting costs.
The clear winners here? Tech workers, specifically Software Developers pulling in $128,405 ($124,665 adjusted). Healthcare and skilled trades can do well, but tech is where the money is. If you’re in another field, you’ll need to negotiate hard or commute.
My advice: If you’re considering the move, lock down a remote-friendly tech job or a local developer role before you pack. Don’t move here on a hope and a prayer—come with a plan, and Milford can work in your favor.