Healthcare Recruiting
Registered Nurse Salary in Delaware 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
Delaware registered nurses earn an average of $76,800 per year in 2026. Delaware's proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore drives salaries above what the state's small size might suggest — nurses can often commute across state lines, creating competitive pressure on Delaware employers to match regional wages.
Delaware RN Salary by City (2026)
| City | Avg Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington | $80,500 | $38.70 |
| Newark | $79,000 | $37.98 |
| Dover | $74,500 | $35.82 |
| Middletown | $75,500 | $36.30 |
| Milford | $72,000 | $34.62 |
| Lewes / Rehoboth | $73,000 | $35.10 |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Delaware
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $218,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $90,000 |
| ER / Emergency RN | $87,500 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $85,500 |
| Labor & Delivery RN | $82,000 |
| Med-Surg RN | $75,500 |
Top Employers in Delaware
- ChristianaCare — Wilmington/Newark; Delaware's dominant health system; Level I trauma, 1,000+ bed flagship; top nursing wages in the state
- Bayhealth Medical Center — Dover and Milford; central and southern Delaware community hospitals
- Nemours Children's Health — Wilmington; pediatric specialty system; strong PICU and NICU programs
- Beebe Healthcare — Lewes; coastal southern Delaware; strong travel RN demand seasonally
- VA Medical Center Wilmington — federal pay scale (GS-based)
NLC Compact Status
Delaware is a full NLC compact member. RNs with a Delaware multistate license may practice in any compact state. Delaware nurses frequently hold compact licenses to work across the border at Pennsylvania (non-compact) or Maryland (compact) facilities — note that Pennsylvania is not an NLC member and requires a separate PA license.
Delaware RN Market Outlook
Delaware's southern coastal communities (Lewes, Rehoboth, Bethany Beach) see seasonal demand spikes in summer from the resort population. ChristianaCare's dominant market position means most competitive wages in northern Delaware are set by their scale. Travel RN rates in Wilmington run $1,700–$2,100/week.
Related: RN Salary Maryland 2026, RN Salary New Jersey 2026, Delaware RN License Guide.
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