Dover vs Middletown: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Dover, DE and Middletown, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Middletown, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,485 | $96,530▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.39 | $46.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,373▲ | $71,253 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,228▲ | $80,282 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,209▲ | $107,784 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,415▲ | $127,196 |
| Total Employed | 1,700▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Dover and Middletown are closely matched on overall registered nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Dover and Middletown is $45 (0.05%). Middletown's median is -6.04% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $47,042,Middletown spans $55,943. Middletown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dover ($98,952 effective) pays 4.25% more than Middletown ($94,916 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,415)
- ✓Larger job market (1,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,952)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Middletown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,530/year)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Dover grew 31.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Middletown over the same period.
Dover, DE
$69,910 (2019) → $91,620 (2025)
Middletown, DE
$79,870 (2024) → $91,663 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middletown, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Dover or Middletown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Middletown?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov