Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Wilmington, DE

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) considering Wilmington, Delaware.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Wilmington Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Wilmington’s job market is a bit of a paradox: it’s smaller than you might think for a financial hub (the metro population is just 71,672), but the healthcare sector is surprisingly robust. Let’s cut through the noise and look at the numbers.

The median salary for an LPN in Wilmington is $55,193/year, which breaks down to roughly $26.54/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $54,620/year. It’s not a massive premium, but in a state with no sales tax and a relatively manageable cost of living, every dollar counts. The 10-year job growth projection sits at 5%, which is steady—not explosive, but reliable. There are approximately 143 active LPN jobs in the Wilmington metro area at any given time, suggesting consistent opportunity.

Experience is the biggest driver of income. Here’s how salaries typically break down in the local market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $52,000	$23.00 - $25.00
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,193 (Median)	$26.54
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$60,000 - $68,000	$28.85 - $32.69
Expert/Specialized (15+ years)	$70,000+	$33.65+

Insider Tip: Wilmington’s proximity to the Philadelphia and Baltimore markets creates a unique wage dynamic. Some nurses here commute across state lines for higher pay, but you’ll find that the cost of living in DE, especially without sales tax, often balances out the difference. The $55,193 median is a solid, realistic starting point for negotiations.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what your paycheck looks like. Delaware has a progressive state income tax (ranging from 0% to 6.6%), and federal taxes will take their bite. For a single filer earning $55,193, your estimated take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, FICA) is roughly $42,000 to $43,500 annually, or about $3,500 to $3,625 per month.

Now, the rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Wilmington rents for $1,451/month. This is about 3.5% higher than the U.S. average (Cost of Living Index: 103.5, where the U.S. average is 100).

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an LPN earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,550	After taxes, single filer.
Rent (1BR)	$1,451	Average for the city.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes internet. DE has high electricity costs.
Groceries	$350 - $400	No sales tax helps here.
Car/Transport	$400 - $550	Insurance is moderate; gas is standard.
Healthcare	$100 - $200	If not fully covered by employer.
Debt/Savings/Other	$749 - $949	Left for everything else.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s a challenge, but possible. The median home price in Wilmington is around $250,000. With a $55,193 salary, you’d be at the upper limit of what’s comfortable for a conventional mortgage (typically 3x your income). A 20% down payment is $50,000—a significant hurdle. Most LPNs in Wilmington either rent or buy with an FHA loan (3.5% down) in the suburbs. It’s not out of reach, but you’ll need a clear budget and likely a dual-income household to do it comfortably.

Where the Jobs Are: Wilmington's Major Employers

Wilmington’s healthcare scene is anchored by a mix of large hospital systems, community clinics, and long-term care facilities. The 143 jobs available are spread across these key players:

1. ChristianaCare: The 800-lb gorilla of Delaware healthcare. They operate Christiana Hospital in Newark (10 min from downtown Wilmington) and Wilmington Hospital on Chestnut Street. They are the largest employer in the state and constantly hire LPNs for med-surg, rehab, and long-term care units. Hiring trends favor those with BLS and acute care experience.

2. Bayhealth: Recently expanded into the Wilmington area with their Bayhealth Medical Center, Sussex Campus (though primarily in Dover, they have outpatient and senior care facilities in northern DE). They’re a growing competitor to ChristianaCare.

3. Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware: Located in Wilmington, this is a premier pediatric facility. It’s a fantastic employer for LPNs interested in pediatrics, though most direct inpatient roles are RNs. LPN roles are more common in their outpatient clinics and specialty services.

4. State of Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD): A major source of public sector jobs. LPNs work in state-run facilities, home health, and community programs. These jobs offer stability, state benefits, and pension plans, but the hiring process can be slow.

5. Local Nursing Homes & SNFs: Wilmington has numerous skilled nursing facilities, like Regency Health Care Center and Arden Courts of Mill Creek. These are often the most accessible entry points for new LPNs. Hiring is frequent, but be prepared for lower pay than hospital settings.

6. Private Practice & Medical Groups: Smaller clinics (like those in the Riverfront or Greenville areas) and urgent care centers often hire LPNs for front-desk, triage, and basic clinical support roles.

Insider Tip: The “Wilmington Hospital” campus is where most of the action is. It’s in a transitional area (near the Riverfront and I-95), but it’s the heart of the city’s medical community. Walking distance to many apartments and has its own shuttle from the train station.

Getting Licensed in DE

Delaware’s licensing is straightforward but has specific steps. The Delaware Board of Nursing (DBON) handles all licensure.

1. NCLEX-PN Exam: You must graduate from an approved LPN program and pass the NCLEX-PN. Delaware recognizes all 50 states’ nursing licenses via the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a compact license from another NLC state (like PA, MD, or VA), you can work in Delaware without applying for a new license—just establish residency. This is a huge advantage for commuters.
2. Application Process: If you’re not from a compact state, you apply directly to DBON. You’ll need transcripts, a background check, and proof of citizenship.
3. Fees: The total cost is approximately $200-$250 (application + fingerprinting + exam fee). This is a one-time cost upon initial licensure.
4. Timeline: From application to approval, expect 4-8 weeks. If you’re a new graduate, you can often get a temporary permit to start work while waiting for your full license.

Insider Tip: Delaware’s Board of Nursing website is the official source. They are efficient but strict. Ensure all documents are notarized if required. The compact agreement saves time and money if you’re coming from PA, MD, VA, or another NLC state.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Where you live in Wilmington dramatically impacts your commute and lifestyle. The city is split by I-95, with the core city to the east and suburbs to the west.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Downtown/Market St.	Urban, walkable, close to RNs. Easy walk/bus to Wilmington Hospital. Parking is a hassle.	$1,300 - $1,600	The single professional who wants city life and a zero-minute commute.
The Riverfront	Modern, transitional, scenic. Safe, with new apartments and restaurants. Short drive to hospitals.	$1,500 - $1,800	Those who want a clean, modern environment with river views.
Trolley Square	Historic, trendy, with great restaurants and bars. Mostly row homes and condos. Commute is 10-15 minutes.	$1,400 - $1,700	LPNs who want a vibrant social scene and historic charm.
Greenville	Upscale, quiet, and green. Home to many doctors and execs. Requires a car and a 15-minute commute.	$1,600 - $2,000	Those seeking a peaceful, safe suburban feel closer to the high-end market.
North Wilmington (Elsmere, Pike Creek)	Family-oriented, suburban, diverse. More affordable rents, easy access to Christiana Hospital.	$1,200 - $1,500	The best fit for LPNs working at Christiana Hospital or starting families.

Insider Tip: For a new LPN, North Wilmington (Pike Creek) or Elsmere offer the best balance of affordability, safety, and proximity to major employers like ChristianaCare. You can find a 1BR for under $1,400 and still be a 15-minute drive from most hospitals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your LPN license in Wilmington is a stable foundation. The 5% job growth reflects steady demand, primarily in geriatrics and home health. To increase your income, consider these paths:

• Specialty Premiums: Acute care (med-surg, rehab) in hospitals like ChristianaCare pays at the higher end of the mid-level range. Home health can offer more autonomy and slightly higher hourly rates, though with less stability.
• Advancement to RN: The most common and lucrative path. Many local hospitals (especially ChristianaCare) offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs to bridge to an RN or BSN. An RN in Wilmington can earn $75,000+, a significant jump.
• Long-Term Care (LTC) Management: With experience, LPNs can move into supervisor roles in nursing homes or state facilities, pushing salary toward the $65,000 mark.
• 10-Year Outlook: The aging population in Delaware (and the U.S.) will drive demand for LPNs in LTC and home health. However, hospital-based LPN roles may stagnate or decline as RNs take on more tasks. Your best bet for long-term growth is to specialize in a high-demand area (like dialysis or wound care) or plan for the RN bridge.

The Verdict: Is Wilmington Right for You?

Wilmington offers a practical, manageable career launch for an LPN. It’s not a high-growth mecca, but it’s a stable, affordable market with a clear path to a solid middle-class life.

Pros	Cons
Median salary ($55,193) slightly above national average.	Rent ($1,451) is above national average, eating into take-home pay.
No sales tax on most purchases helps your budget.	10-year job growth (5%) is modest; not a booming market.
Stable employers like ChristianaCare offer long-term security.	City safety varies greatly by neighborhood; research is essential.
Compact State benefits if you’re licensed in PA, MD, or VA.	Home ownership is a stretch on a single LPN salary.
Strategic location between Philly and Baltimore.	Traffic on I-95 can be intense during rush hour.

Final Recommendation: Wilmington is an excellent choice for LPNs seeking stability, a reasonable cost of living, and a clear path to advancement. It’s ideal for those who value a manageable city over a sprawling metropolis. If you can secure a job at ChristianaCare or a state facility and live in a neighborhood like North Wilmington or the Riverfront, you can build a rewarding and financially sound career. It’s a “workhorse” city—reliable, not flashy, but it gets the job done.

FAQs

1. Can I get hired in Wilmington with an out-of-state LPN license?
Yes, if you hold a license from another Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state (like PA, MD, VA, NJ). You can work in Delaware immediately by establishing residency. For non-compact states, you must apply for Delaware licensure first.

2. Is it easy to find a job as a new LPN graduate in Wilmington?
Yes, especially in long-term care and home health. Hospitals like ChristianaCare may prefer some experience, but they often have new grad programs. The 143 jobs in the metro indicate consistent openings.

3. What’s the cost of living really like compared to salaries?
With a median salary of $55,193 and average rent of $1,451, you’ll have a manageable budget if you live modestly. The Cost of Living Index of 103.5 means it’s about 3.5% more expensive than the U.S. average, but the lack of sales tax helps offset it.

4. Which hospital system is better to work for: ChristianaCare or Bayhealth?
ChristianaCare is the dominant system in Wilmington, offering more specialties, larger facilities, and more LPN opportunities. Bayhealth is growing but is more focused on central and southern Delaware. For Wilmington, ChristianaCare is the primary employer.

5. How does Wilmington’s pay compare to nearby cities like Philadelphia?
Philadelphia’s LPN median salary is closer to $60,000, but the cost of living (especially rent) and taxes are significantly higher. When you factor in Philadelphia’s 8% sales tax and higher rents, a Wilmington salary of $55,193 can provide a similar, if not better, standard of living.