Smyrna vs Wilmington: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Smyrna, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Smyrna, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,950 | $142,780▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.00 | $68.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,897 | $108,078▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $119,670 | $125,301▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $148,662 | $166,610▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,231 | $182,285▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Smyrna and Wilmington is $13,830 (10.73%). Wilmington's median is +4.32% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Smyrna spans $51,334,Wilmington spans $74,207. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($140,393 effective) pays 10.73% 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 Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,780/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($182,285)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,393)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Smyrna grew 5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.8% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Smyrna, DE
$117,772 (2024) → $124,650 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$128,003 (2024) → $138,018 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Smyrna or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Smyrna and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Smyrna to Wilmington as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Smyrna vs Wilmington?
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