Newark vs Wilmington: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Newark, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,782 | $76,017▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.07 | $36.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,945 | $58,027▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,589 | $68,559▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,271 | $88,414▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,795 | $95,323▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Newark.
The salary gap between Newark and Wilmington is $7,235 (10.52%). Wilmington's median is +11.67% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $29,850,Wilmington spans $37,296. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($74,746 effective) pays 10.52% more than Newark ($67,632 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newark if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,017/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,323)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,746)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Newark grew 11.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Newark, DE
$58,606 (2024) → $65,073 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$59,394 (2024) → $71,918 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Newark or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Newark to Wilmington as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Newark vs Wilmington?
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