Application Fee
See agencyVerified by DE Board of Healthcare
Registered Nurse Licensing in Delaware
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Delaware, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Delaware
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Delaware Department of State • Division of Professional Regulation • Board of Nursing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$92,610 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#17 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Delaware eligibility requirements for Registered Nurse licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to Delaware Department of State~Division of Professional Regulation~Board of Nursing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Delaware
With a median salary of $92,610, Registered Nurses in Delaware earn 1% below the national median of $93,600. Delaware ranks #17 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.5%Average Weekly Wage
$1,371Median annual salary
$92,610Hourly estimate
$44.521% below national median
Difference: -$990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationRegistered Nurse Salary Ranking
#17 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $140,330 |
| #2 | Hawaii | $136,320 |
| #3 | Oregon | $123,990 |
| #4 | Washington | $112,180 |
| #5 | Alaska | $110,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Registered Nurse licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $92,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $96,830 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $87,610 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $102,730 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Pennsylvania | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| New Jersey | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Delaware Department of State • Division of Professional Regulation • Board of Nursing
Cannon Building, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., STE. 203, Dover, DE, 19904-2467
Phone: 3027444500
Related Careers in Delaware
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Anesthesiologist | N/A | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Athletic Trainer | $60,750 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audiologist | $78,770 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Delaware?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Registered Nurses in Delaware?
Delaware lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Registered Nurses.
What education do you need to become a Registered Nurse in Delaware?
The board typically expects Degree required for Registered Nurse licensure in Delaware.
What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Delaware?
The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Delaware is $92,610. Salaries range from $72,850 (10th percentile) to $127,340 (90th percentile).
How does the Registered Nurse salary in Delaware compare to the national average?
Registered Nurses in Delaware earn 1% below the national median of $93,600, with a state median of $92,610.
How many Registered Nurses work in Delaware?
Delaware employs approximately 13,260 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Delaware from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Delaware?
The licensing agency is Delaware Department of State / Division of Professional Regulation / Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/.
How often do you renew a Registered Nurse license in Delaware?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.