Bear vs Dover: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bear, DE and Dover, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Dover, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,343▲ | $65,682 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.90▲ | $31.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,145 | $54,964▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,911▲ | $57,374 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,995▲ | $70,301 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,499▲ | $76,559 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dover.
The salary gap between Bear and Dover is $661 (1.01%). Bear's median is -2.54% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $24,354,Dover spans $21,595. Bear has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dover ($67,361 effective) pays 3.26% more than Bear ($65,234 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,343/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,499)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,361)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bear grew 11.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Dover over the same period.
Bear, DE
$56,527 (2024) → $62,765 (2025)
Dover, DE
$50,960 (2019) → $62,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bear or Dover?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Dover?
Should I relocate from Bear to Dover as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bear vs Dover?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov