Registered Nurse Salaries in Delaware — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Delaware pays registered nurses a median wage of $92,610 per year — that's $44.53/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 13,260 registered nurses make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Registered Nurse salaries in Delaware are above the national average by approximately $2,434. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
Access to major East Coast metros gives Delaware registered nurses access to higher-paying employers.
Delaware Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Delaware after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Delaware Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Delaware median of $92,610.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Delaware
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Delaware — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataregistered nurses pay in Delaware has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the registered nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Delaware's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Delaware
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $102,800 | $49.42 | +11.0% | 4,641 |
| Dover | $98,150 | $47.19 | +6.0% | 3,712 |
| Newark | $95,400 | $45.87 | +3.0% | 2,386 |
| Middletown | $88,900 | $42.74 | -4.0% | 1,193 |
| Smyrna | $84,300 | $40.53 | -9.0% | 795 |
| Milford | $80,550 | $38.73 | -13.0% | 530 |
Tip: Wilmington offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Delaware at $102,800/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Delaware vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Delaware sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Delaware has a state income tax rate of up to 6.6%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Delaware
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses in Delaware is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Delaware job market. Access to major East Coast metros gives Delaware registered nurses access to higher-paying employers.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Delaware
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Delaware typically adds $76,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Wilmington pays registered nurses $102,800/yr — +11.0% above the Delaware average. Simply relocating within Delaware can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Delaware. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Pennsylvania pays registered nurses $87,610/yr — -5.4% vs Delaware.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Delaware
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Delaware:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Delaware — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Delaware — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Wilmington, DE→