Salaries in Brookside CDP, DE
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You might assume a small Delaware CDP like Brookside would be a cheap place to live. You’d be wrong. With a cost of living index of 103.5, it’s pricier than the national average, yet its median household income sits at a modest $72,031. It’s a quiet, unassuming pocket where your paycheck doesn't stretch as far as you'd expect, especially when a one-bedroom apartment runs $1,242 a month.
That 3.5% premium above the U.S. average eats into your buying power. A $57,605 average salary feels more like $55,657 in real terms here. For a single person, that rent-to-income ratio is tight. It’s not a bargain, but it’s not a wallet-buster either—it’s just… fine. You’re not getting the deep discounts of a rural town, but you’re also not paying city prices.
So, who actually thrives here? The economy leans on a mix of healthcare, education, and professional services. While we don’t have a massive corporate headquarters here, the top-paying jobs tell the story. Software developers pull in a handsome $128,596, while nurses and accountants both earn nearly $87,000. Teachers and electricians make a respectable, if more modest, $64,000 and $62,000. With a low 4.0% unemployment rate, it’s a stable market for those with in-demand skills.
Here’s my honest take: wages aren’t exploding, but they’re holding steady against a creeping cost of living. It’s a solid fit for a dual-income household or a professional in tech or healthcare. For everyone else, it’s a comfortable but not particularly lucrative place to build wealth.
The detailed data below will show you exactly where you stand in this overlooked market.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Brookside CDP
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 Brookside CDP
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (104/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $128,596 |
| 2 | Accountant | $86,983 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $86,973 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $64,338 |
| 5 | Electrician | $62,196 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $62,125 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,647 |
| 8 | Paralegal | $50,525 |
| 9 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,525 |
| 10 | Welder | $50,525 |
| 11 | Project Manager | $50,525 |
| 12 | Police Officer | $50,525 |
| 13 | Data Analyst | $50,525 |
| 14 | Graphic Designer | $50,525 |
| 15 | Plumber | $50,525 |
| 16 | Carpenter | $50,525 |
| 17 | Physical Therapist | $50,525 |
| 18 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,525 |
| 19 | Financial Analyst | $50,525 |
| 20 | HVAC Technician | $50,525 |
| 21 | Pharmacist | $50,525 |
| 22 | Firefighter | $50,525 |
| 23 | Construction Manager | $50,525 |
| 24 | Dental Hygienist | $50,525 |
| 25 | Web Developer | $50,525 |
| 26 | Marketing Manager | $50,525 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $50,525 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Brookside CDP
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Brookside CDP?
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❓ Brookside CDP Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Brookside CDP Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Brookside CDP isn’t a goldmine, but it’s not a trap either. With a $57,605 average salary and a cost-of-living index at 103.5, you’re paying a slight premium for the privilege of living here. The clear winner is software development—both in raw pay ($128,596) and purchasing power ($124,247 adjusted). Tech workers thrive. Healthcare and trades can do okay, but they’ll feel the squeeze more with that $1,242 monthly rent eating into their budget.
Is it worth it? For tech, absolutely. For everyone else, it’s a mixed bag—decent, but not dazzling. My advice: don’t move here just for the average job. Come with a tech offer in hand or a solid remote gig, because the local market won’t carry you. Brookside is fine, but it’s not a secret hack to getting rich.