Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Wilmington, DE: $58,027 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Wilmington, DE job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $58,027 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wilmington's local price level (BEA RPP 101.7 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,057 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($76,017) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of practical nursing in Wilmington, Delaware can expect an entry-level licensed practical nurse salary of around $58,027 in 2026. While this starting salary may seem modest compared to the city's median annual salary of $76,017, it's important to understand the potential growth trajectory that exists within the first few years of employment. As new LPNs gain experience, they can anticipate earnings progressing toward the 25th percentile salary of $68,559 within three to five years, and eventually aiming for the city's median. Wilmington currently represents a promising job market for new graduates, particularly with the projected growth rate of 5.70% annually, indicating a healthy demand for nursing professionals, particularly in long-term care facilities.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wilmington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Wilmington, DE typically start between $58,027 and $68,559 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,296 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $76,017 — 11.67% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Delaware of $15,000 represents just 25.85% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($58,027/year) in Wilmington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Wilmington
- 1Research the Wilmington market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $58,027 to $68,559, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in DE often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Wilmington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Wilmington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wilmington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Wilmington is $37,296 ( 64.27%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $58,027, experienced hygienists can earn up to $95,323.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,144
2025 BLS Actual
$54,898
2026 Current Est.
$58,027
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,144 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,259 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,002 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,689 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,406 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,158 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,898 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,027 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,335 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Wilmington, DE grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,144 in 2019 to $54,898 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,335. New graduates entering the Wilmington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Wilmington
In Wilmington, various employers actively seek to hire new LPN graduates, with skilled nursing facilities frequently providing on-the-job orientation that supports smooth transitions for newcomers. Home health agencies present attractive opportunities with flexible scheduling, while physician offices might favor candidates with specific experiences. To enhance starting compensation, aspiring LPNs in Delaware should hold an active LPN/LVN license, complete a 12 to 18-month practical nursing diploma from an approved program, and successfully pass the NCLEX-PN. Additionally, obtaining certifications in IV therapy or wound care can set candidates apart. In the first few years within this profession, with a focus on practical experience and potential transition into LPN-to-RN bridge programs, salary expectations can realistically grow as LPNs navigate between various healthcare settings, tapping into the diverse scope of practice that Delaware permits.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Wilmington in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Wilmington?
Is nursing school worth it in Wilmington?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Wilmington?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Delaware?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Wilmington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 5.70%, 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