Registered nurse salary in Delaware

The median registered nurse in Delaware earned $99,520 a year in 2025, $1,970 (2%) above the $97,550 national median. That ranks 17th of 51 states.

Median yearly pay
$99,520
Average yearly pay
$99,460
Employed in Delaware
14,290

How Delaware compares

  • California highest state$140,270
  • Delaware 17th of 51$99,520
  • United States national median$97,550
  • Middle state median of state medians$93,600
  • Alabama lowest state$77,080

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.

Nursing pay in Delaware

Median pay by nursing role in Delaware
RoleMedian yearly payEmployed
Registered nurse$99,52014,290
LPN or LVN$68,7102,240
Nurse practitioner$131,0401,430

A nurse practitioner in Delaware earns a median $31,520 more than a registered nurse ($131,040 against $99,520). A registered nurse earns a median $30,810 more than an LPN or LVN here ($99,520 against $68,710).

Next steps

Common questions

How much does a registered nurse make in Delaware?

The median is $99,520 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Delaware earn more and half earn less.

Is Delaware a high-paying state for registered nurses?

Delaware ranks 17th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Delaware pays 2% above it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.

How many registered nurses work in Delaware?

BLS counted 14,290 registered nurses employed in Delaware in May 2025.

Why is the average different from the median?

The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Delaware the average is $99,460.

What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Delaware?

Delaware requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.