Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Newark, DE: $68,782 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Newark, DE earns a median $68,782/year (≈ $33.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Newark's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $67,632 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, Delaware, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) can expect a substantial median annual salary of $68,782 in 2026. The compensation for these professionals varies widely, with a salary range from $54,945 at the 10th percentile to $84,795 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates derived from BLS state-level data alongside regional cost adjustments. This puts Newark slightly above the national median of $68,071 for LPNs. The employment landscape for LPNs is influenced by the structural dynamics of skilled nursing facilities, home health, and clinics—all of which offer different pay scales, often leading to higher earnings in skilled nursing compared to home health services and physician offices.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,945 | $26.41 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,589 | $30.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,782 | $33.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,271 | $38.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,795 | $40.77 |
Median Salary Position
1.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, DE, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,850 (2026 est.). At $68,782, the local median is 1.04% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newark Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Newark median: $68,782/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $69,197 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +1.04% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Newark, DE earn a median of $68,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.04% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.60% below the Delaware state average of $69,197.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,782 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,632 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,976
2025 BLS Actual
$65,073
2026 Current Est.
$68,782
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,976 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,572 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,191 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,354 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,606 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,073 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,782 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $47,976 (2019) to $65,073 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,727 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark 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) | $54,945 – $63,589 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,589 – $68,782 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,782 – $79,271 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,271 – $84,795 |
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 Newark
With only five licensed practical nurses employed in Newark, the local job market is relatively small, yet it reflects a growing demand driven by a projected 5.70% annual growth rate. The cost of living index stands at 101.7, indicating that the cost of living is slightly above the national average, which may impact take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities often provide the highest pay, followed by hospitals and home health agencies, whereas physician offices may typically offer less. The pay disparity can be partially attributed to setting differences, such as the increased complexity of care in long-term settings compared to outpatient environments. To maximize earnings in Newark, LPNs should consider seeking opportunities in skilled nursing and acquiring certifications, such as those for IV therapy, which can lead to additional stipends. Understanding these dynamics can greatly enhance a practical nurse's career trajectory and earning potential in the region.
More salary data for Newark, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $65,073 for licensed practical nursesin the Newark 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 Newark 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