Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Bear, DE: $66,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Bear, DE earns a median $66,343/year (≈ $31.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Bear's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $65,234 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected median annual salary for a licensed practical nurse in Bear, Delaware, stands at $66,343 for 2026, which reflects a slight decrease when compared to the national figure of $68,071. This local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions offering approximately $54,145 (10th percentile) and experienced nurses earning as much as $78,499 (90th percentile). The estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted regional price parities, illustrating an informed local job market. For those considering a career as a licensed practical nurse in Bear, the competitive pay is often complemented by shift differentials and weekend premiums typical in long-term care settings, highlighting the importance of specialized roles within the healthcare field.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,145 | $26.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,911 | $29.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,343 | $31.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,995 | $36.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,499 | $37.73 |
Median Salary Position
2.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bear
In Bear, DE, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,354 (2026 est.). At $66,343, the local median is 2.54% below the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bear: You'd be above the median
How Bear Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Bear median: $66,343/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bear Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $69,251 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | -2.54% less |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Bear, DE earn a median of $66,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.54% lower than the national median of $68,071 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $69,251.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bear has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bear, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,343 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,234 — a 1.67% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$46,275
2025 BLS Actual
$62,765
2026 Current Est.
$66,343
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,275 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,233 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,214 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,527 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,124 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bear metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $46,275 (2019) to $62,765 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,124 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,849 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bear 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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,145 – $61,911 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,911 – $66,343 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,343 – $74,995 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,995 – $78,499 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Bear
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Bear is characterized by a relatively limited pool, with only six LPNs employed in the area—a factor that can influence compensation dynamics. The cost of living index in Bear, measured at 101.7, signals that while overall costs are slightly above the national average, take-home pay must be strategically managed to maintain purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay, reflecting the demands associated with long-term care settings. Several factors contribute to the salary range in Bear, including differences in work environments; LPNs in skilled nursing facilities generally earn more than their counterparts in home health agencies or physician offices. To maximize earnings, practical nursing professionals should consider roles in long-term care facilities, seek additional certifications like IV therapy, and take advantage of shift differentials, especially for weekend and holiday assignments.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Bear, DE in 2026?
Is Bear, DE a good place to work as a licensed practical nurse?
Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Bear?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Bear?
How much does a licensed practical nurse make per hour in Bear?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Delaware
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,765 for licensed practical nursesin the Bear metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bear 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 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov