Licensed Practical Nurse in Delaware

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DE. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$66,090

trending_up +6.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Delaware.

engineering

1,600

Jobs (DE)

monitoring Stable

+2.6%

10-yr job growth

payments

$381

Licensing fees

schedule

1-2 years

Time to complete

route How to become a licensed practical nurse in Delaware

To become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Delaware, individuals must complete a state-approved practical nursing program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam. The licensing body is the Delaware Board of Nursing, and a state license is required. Applicants must also undergo state and federal criminal background checks via digital fingerprinting. Delaware is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice, though those establishing residency in Delaware must apply for a Delaware license within 60 days. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 24 continuing education hours, with 3 hours specifically in substance abuse, and attestation of recent practice hours.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $55,210

25th percentile $62,250

50th (median) $66,090

75th percentile $71,450

90th (experienced) $75,670

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Delaware. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Delaware requirements

Licensing body	Delaware Board of Nursing
State license	Required
Education	Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program
Exam	NCLEX-PN ($200)
Application fee	$181
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Renewal is every two years on February 28 of even-numbered years. A criminal background check (state and federal) is required for initial licensure and involves digital fingerprinting through IdentoGO. Some LPN programs in Delaware have a minimum age requirement of 18 or 20 years old. Applicants must also attest to practicing a minimum of 1,000 hours in the past five years or 400 hours in the past two years for renewal. 3 of the 24 CE hours must be in substance abuse. Delaware is a Nurse Licensure Compact state.

Source: Delaware Board of Nursing

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+2.6%

Average

Annual openings

54,400

Nationwide per year

Total employment

651,400

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.51/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleDelaware license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a licensed practical nurse career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a licensed practical nurse in Delaware? expand_more

In Delaware, becoming a licensed practical nurse requires you to complete the required education (Completion of a state-approved practical nursing program), pass the NCLEX-PN, and submit your application ($181 fee).

Is a licensed practical nurse license required in Delaware? expand_more

Delaware mandates state licensure for licensed practical nurses. Delaware Board of Nursing oversees the process, which includes passing the NCLEX-PN.

What is the average licensed practical nurse salary in Delaware? expand_more

In Delaware, the median pay for licensed practical nurses comes to $66,090/year. This exceeds the $62,340 national median by 6%. The range spans from $55,210 at the entry level to $75,670 for top earners.

What are the fees to become a licensed practical nurse in Delaware? expand_more

The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($200) and application fee ($181) and required training.

How many months or years does licensed practical nurse certification take in Delaware? expand_more

In Delaware, becoming a licensed practical nurse generally takes 1-2 years, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

How many CE hours do licensed practical nurses need in Delaware? expand_more

License renewal in Delaware requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 2.0-year cycle.