Licensed Practical Nurse in Delaware: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Delaware employs 2,240 LVNs, with a statewide median of $68,710 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Delaware licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Delaware (May 2025)
- Delaware median pay
- $68,710 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $59,210
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $75,020
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $77,580
- Employed in Delaware
- 2,240
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Delaware markets:
- Philadelphia
- $70,710 (15,920 employed)
- Dover
- $62,140 (300 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Delaware
Prices in Delaware run right about the national average (cost-of-living index 99.8 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $68,710 median holds roughly its face value.
Job Outlook in Delaware (2024–2034)
Delaware is projected to grow LVNs employment +11.8%, faster than the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 150 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Delaware License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — regulated by the Delaware DPR — Board of Nursing.
- Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
- Apply to the Delaware Board of Nursing (DPR) and clear a background check.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Delaware is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so the license can work across compact states.
Official requirements: Delaware DPR — Board of Nursing →
Training in Delaware
Affordable, fast paid-healthcare entry. Check NCLEX-PN pass rates before enrolling.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Delaware include:
- Dawn Career Institute LLC — Certificate
- Delaware Technical Community College-Terry — Certificate
- Polytech Adult Education — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Delaware
Real Delaware nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Delaware Hospital F/t Chronically Ill (Dhci) — Smyrna
- Ocean Grove Post Acute — Millsboro
- Excelcare at Lewes LLC — Lewes
- Cadia Rehabilitation Pike Creek — Wilmington
- Pike Creek Nursing & Rehabilitation Center — Wilmington
- Regal Heights Healthcare & Rehab Center — Hockessin
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.
Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
First Steps
Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LVNs make in Delaware?
The median wage for LVNs in Delaware is $68,710 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $59,210, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $77,580. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Delaware?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), overseen by the Delaware DPR — Board of Nursing. Complete a board-approved practical nursing program (about a year).
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Delaware?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Delaware metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Delaware metro areas, Philadelphia leads at $70,710, followed by Dover ($62,140). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Delaware?
Real Delaware options include Dawn Career Institute LLC, Delaware Technical Community College-Terry, Polytech Adult Education. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Delaware?
Delaware projects LVNs employment to change +11.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 150 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Delaware statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Delaware DPR — Board of Nursing (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Delaware wages · Delaware licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.