Bear vs Wilmington: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Bear, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,260 | $56,479▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.12 | $27.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,409 | $34,737▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,240 | $42,000▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $66,894 | $72,292▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,003 | $87,542▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Wilmington is $4,219 (8.07%). Wilmington's median is +5.33% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $46,594,Wilmington spans $52,805. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($55,535 effective) pays 8.07% more than Bear ($51,386 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,479/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($87,542)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,535)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Bear grew -22.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -20.1% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Bear, DE
$66,273 (2024) → $51,488 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$69,634 (2024) → $55,644 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Bear or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Bear to Wilmington as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Bear vs Wilmington?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov