More than 1,000 people work for the city of Wilmington, helping run everything from police and fire services to parks, planning and public works.
A public records request by the StarNews obtained salary information for the city's 1,040 employees, showing pay ranges from $5,469 to $288,401 a year.
The data comes as city leaders invest more than $16.5 million in a living-wage strategy designed to improve recruitment and retention while absorbing $3.5 million in higher health insurance costs rather than passing those expenses on to employees. The city's $349.8 million budget for fiscal year 2026-27 also resulted in a net reduction of 20 positions through organizational realignment.
Among Wilmington's workforce, 186 employees earn more than $100,000
annually. The city's 10 highest-paid employees make an average salary of $218,498. Here's a look at the top earners.
Becky Hawke, city manager
Hawke draws an annual salary of $288,401. She was unanimously approved by the Wilmington City Council on May 20, 2025, to take over the reins of city government.
Michael Kozlosky, Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization executive director
As head of the regional transportation planning organization, Kozlosky earns $258,289.
Thom Moton Jr., deputy city manager
Moton was hired by the city in 2018 to replace the retired Richard King. In his post, Moton collects a $224,083 salary.
Ryan Zuidema, police chief
Zuidema marked his one-year anniversary in charge of the Wilmington Police Department this September. His salary is $220,002.
Meredith Everhart, city attorney
Everhart, a former New Hanover County assistant district attorney, has served as the city attorney since May 2, 2023. Her salary is $215,084.
Dennis LaCaria, chief of staff
LaCaria, who has over 20 years of executive leadership experience in local government, took over his position on Oct. 6, 2025. His salary is $207,000.
Mary Vigue, deputy city manager
Vigue, a former budget administrator with the city of Raleigh, was brought on as a deputy city manager in 2022. Her salary is $202,992.
Jon Mason, fire chief
Mason, a Wilmington Fire Department veteran, was appointed fire chief in 2022 after having previously served as interim fire chief. His salary is $202,117.
Brooke Wright, assistant police chief
Wright, who has nearly three decades of law enforcement and executive leadership experience, began her role with the Wilmington Police Department in July. Her salary is $185,014.
Susan Habina-Woolard, director of transportation
In May the city hired Habina-Woolard as its director of transportation. Her salary is $182,000.
The mayor and city council
Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo receives an annual stipend of $31,783. Each of the six Wilmington City Council members receive an annual stipend of $25,970.
To see more salaries, you can go to https://data.starnewsonline.com/salary/.
Bob Liepa is the city of Wilmington and public safety reporter for the StarNews. You can reach him at RLiepa@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Who are Wilmington's highest-paid city employees? | Exclusive
