Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Wilmington, DE: $52.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Wilmington, DE runs $52.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,372 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,030 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, the projected registered nurse hourly pay for 2026 stands at $52.11, surpassing the national median of $49.39. This advantageous rate highlights the opportunities available for registered nurses across various settings, including hospitals, ICU units, emergency departments, outpatient clinics, and home health environments. Part-time nurses working three days a week can expect to earn a stable income while allowing flexibility in their schedules. The hourly range for nurses in Wilmington extends from $36.35 for entry-level positions to as much as $71.25 for seasoned professionals specializing in critical care or other high-demand areas. Such rates are derived from estimated annual salary data, providing a tangible expectation for those entering the field or considering a switch to nursing.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($85,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.35 | $290.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.17 | $337.33 |
| Median (P50) | $52.11 | $416.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.09 | $472.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.25 | $570.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $52.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.11/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, DE can expect to earn approximately $108,383 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,529. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,084.30 | $9,032 | $108,383 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,250.58 | $5,419 | $65,030 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $833.72 | $3,613 | $43,353 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Wilmington) | $52.11 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Wilmington, DE earn a median of $108,372 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 3.70% above the Delaware state average of $104,506.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.11/hr = $65,030/year (purchasing power: $63,943).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,383/year (purchasing power: $106,572).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Wilmington grew 33.1% from $37.18/hr (2019) to $49.48/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Wilmington
For part-time registered nurses, working a 24-hour schedule each week translates into an annual income that can significantly gauge their lifestyle compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem registered nurses often find lucrative opportunities, billing anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, but they must navigate the fluctuating demand for their services. Travel nurses have particularly enticing contracts, earning between $2,000 and $4,500 per week, with crisis-rate positions in ICU units reaching an extraordinary $5,000 to $8,000 in areas of high demand. Employer types in Wilmington, such as acute care facilities or outpatient clinics, offer varying hourly rates influenced by factors like specialty, employer size, and shift differentials. Some RNs may opt for lower hourly rates with accompanying benefits, while others prioritize higher pay and flexible schedules without benefits. Understanding these trade-offs and negotiating effectively, especially with agencies or hospitals, can enhance one's earning potential in this vibrant healthcare market.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Wilmington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilmington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov