Registered Nurse Salary in Delaware
Based on 14K+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$99,520
$47.85/hr
vs National Average
$94,098
+5.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $124K
14K employed in Delaware
Registered Nurse salary in Delaware averages $99,520 annually, positioning the state 6% above the national average. With approximately 14,290 registered nurses employed throughout Delaware, the profession offers competitive compensation compared to other states. Salaries in this field typically range from $78,340 to $123,860, reflecting differences in experience and specialization among healthcare professionals.
Several factors influence registered nurse compensation in Delaware, including years of experience, educational credentials, and specialized certifications. The type of healthcare facility—whether hospital, clinic, or long-term care—significantly impacts earning potential. Geographic location within the state, shift differentials, and demand for nursing services also play important roles in determining individual salary levels and career advancement opportunities.
Salary Distribution — Registered Nurse in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,340 |
| 25th percentile | $85,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,520 |
| 75th percentile | $111,720 |
| 90th percentile | $123,860 |
Top-Paying Industries for Registered Nurse (U.S.)
Which industries pay Registered Nurses the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Registered Nurses in Delaware tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $110,780 | 170K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $100,010 | 23K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $97,660 | 2.9M |
| Information | $97,430 | 590 |
| Utilities | $95,280 | 70 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Registered Nurse in Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,230 |
| 2023 | $93,200 |
| 2024 | $92,610 |
| 2025 | $99,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,491 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Delaware Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $82,230 | $81,890 |
| 2023 | $93,200 | $86,652 |
| 2024 | $92,610 | $90,458 |
| 2025 | $99,520 | $94,098 |
| 2026 (projected) | $105,491 | $99,744 |
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $85,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,720 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,860 |
Registered Nurse Salary in Other States
Related Registered Nurse Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Registered Nurse ($99,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Registered Nurse | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in DE | $324,080 | +225.6% | $155.81/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DE | $279,410 | +180.8% | $134.33/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DE | $228,000 | +129.1% | $109.62/hr |
| Pediatrician in DE | $219,190 | +120.2% | $105.38/hr |
| Podiatrist in DE | $170,560 | +71.4% | $82.00/hr |
| Optometrist in DE | $161,270 | +62.0% | $77.53/hr |
| Pharmacist in DE | $152,880 | +53.6% | $73.50/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DE | $139,350 | +40.0% | $67.00/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DE | $134,820 | +35.5% | $64.82/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DE | $131,040 | +31.7% | $63.00/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DE | $127,510 | +28.1% | $61.30/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in DE | $102,760 | +3.3% | $49.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do registered nurses make in Delaware?
- The median salary for registered nurses in Delaware is $99,520 per year, or $48 per hour. This is 5.8% higher than the national average, making Delaware a competitive state for nursing compensation.
What is the salary range for nurses in Delaware?
- Registered nurses in Delaware earn between $78,340 and $123,860 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects differences in career progression and work settings across the state.
How many registered nurses work in Delaware?
- There are approximately 14,290 registered nurses employed in Delaware, making it a substantial portion of the state's healthcare workforce.
Is Delaware a good state for registered nurse salaries?
- Yes, Delaware offers above-average nurse compensation with a median salary of $99,520, which exceeds the national average by 5.8%. This makes it an attractive option for registered nurses seeking competitive wages.