Dover vs Smyrna: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Dover, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,171 | $128,950▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.14 | $62.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,708 | $107,897▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,867 | $119,670▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,175▲ | $148,662 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,558▲ | $159,231 |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Dover and Smyrna are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Dover and Smyrna is $1,779 (1.40%). Smyrna's median is -5.78% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $99,850,Smyrna spans $51,334. Dover 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, Dover ($130,422 effective) pays 2.86% 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 Dover if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,558)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,422)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,950/year)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Dover grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Dover, DE
$98,520 (2019) → $122,930 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$117,772 (2024) → $124,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Dover or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Dover to Smyrna as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Dover 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