Salaries in Middletown, DE
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Middletown, Delaware has a secret: it’s a bedroom community that punches way above its weight class in salary data. The median household income here is $115,252, which is startling for a town of just 24,000 people. It’s not a mistake, and it’s not all Wall Street commuters.
With a cost of living index of 103.5, you’re paying about 3.5% more than the national average. That sounds bad, until you do the math. A software developer earning $128,596 sees their real purchasing power dip only slightly, to a still-robust $124,247. It’s not a bargain, but it’s a far cry from the brutal squeeze you’d feel in a major metro. Your $1,242 monthly rent for a one-bedroom doesn’t feel like a steal, but with that median income, it’s manageable.
So who’s earning it? This isn’t a factory town. The top-paying jobs are in tech, finance, and healthcare. Software developers are the clear winners, followed closely by accountants and registered nurses, all pulling in high-eighty-thousands. The presence of larger employers, likely including state government and healthcare systems, anchors this. It’s a white-collar town in blue-collar clothing.
Here’s my honest take: the secret is getting out. Wages are good, but the cost of living is creeping up faster than the national average. For remote workers who can command a big-city salary without the commute, or for skilled tradespeople like electricians who can still afford a home here, Middletown is a gem. For everyone else, it’s a tough market.
The data below breaks it all down, from the COL-adjusted salaries to the stark reality for teachers and other essential workers.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Middletown
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 Middletown
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 | Dental Hygienist | $50,525 |
| 12 | Police Officer | $50,525 |
| 13 | Project Manager | $50,525 |
| 14 | Graphic Designer | $50,525 |
| 15 | Data Analyst | $50,525 |
| 16 | Plumber | $50,525 |
| 17 | Construction Manager | $50,525 |
| 18 | Carpenter | $50,525 |
| 19 | Physical Therapist | $50,525 |
| 20 | Financial Analyst | $50,525 |
| 21 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,525 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $50,525 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $50,525 |
| 24 | Web Developer | $50,525 |
| 25 | Firefighter | $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 Middletown
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Middletown?
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❓ Middletown Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Middletown Worth It?
As an editor who's crunched the numbers, here's my honest verdict: Middletown, DE isn't a gold rush, but it’s a steady bet. With a cost of living index at 103.5 and rent at $1,242/month, your paycheck stretches reasonably well against the $57,605 average salary. The clear winner here is tech. Software Developers are king, pulling in a COL-adjusted $124,247, making them the only group that truly thrives. Healthcare and trades see solid, but not spectacular, returns. My advice? If you're in software, move here and bank the savings. For everyone else, it's a decent, stable place to live, but don't expect your salary to wow you.