Healthcare Dover, DE Pop. 39,403

Registered Nurse Salary in Dover, Delaware

The median registered nurse salary in Dover, DE is $79,596 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 4.9% below the Delaware state average.

City Median
$79,596
vs State Avg
$-4,061
vs National
$-1,624
Cost of Living
96%

Registered Nurse Pay in Dover: What to Expect (2026)

Dover offers a median registered nurse salary of $79,596, which is $4,061 below the Delaware state average of $83,657. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Dover pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Dover's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for registered nurses in Dover spans from $56,252 at the 10th percentile to $118,384 at the 90th percentile — a $62,132 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,840, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,700. Dover is a smaller market (pop. 39,403), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Dover by Experience

In Dover, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $56,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,840
$-1,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,360
$-1,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,700
$-2,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Dover, DE

Percentile Dover
10th Percentile $56,252
25th Percentile $65,464
Median (50th) $79,596
75th Percentile $99,078
90th Percentile $118,384

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Delaware Cities

Wilmington, DE
$86,905
Pop. 70,898
Newark, DE
$84,469
Pop. 33,398
Bear, DE
$82,032
Pop. 21,000
Middletown, DE
$81,220
Pop. 22,350

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Dover

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Dover and the surrounding Delaware area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Dover may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Dover

Browse open registered nurse positions in Dover, DE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Dover

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Dover, DE? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Dover, Delaware is $79,596 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $56,252 (10th percentile) to $118,384 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Dover? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,596, a registered nurse in Dover earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Dover compare to the Delaware state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Dover's median registered nurse salary of $79,596 is 4.9% below the Delaware state average of $83,657. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Dover, DE? ▼
Dover has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $79,596 in Dover has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Dover? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Dover require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.