Bear vs Smyrna: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bear, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,388▲ | $128,950 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.13▲ | $62.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,959▲ | $107,897 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,134▲ | $119,670 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,283▲ | $148,662 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,680▲ | $159,231 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Bear and Smyrna is $4,438 (3.44%). Bear's median is -2.54% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $52,721,Smyrna spans $51,334. Bear has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bear ($131,158 effective) pays 3.44% more than Smyrna ($126,794 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,388/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,680)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,158)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bear grew 5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Bear, DE
$121,825 (2024) → $128,940 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$117,772 (2024) → $124,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bear or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Bear to Smyrna as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Bear vs Smyrna?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov