Increasing numbers of Delaware RNs have earned the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in recent years, revealing that it is the preferred credential for advanced nursing clinical practitioners like advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).
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For practicing APRNs, the DNP—the highest clinical degree available in nursing—is an excellent way to specialize; for aspiring APRNs, it is the preferred path to an advanced practice nursing credential. Many times, RNs utilize the DNP as an effective path to positions in nursing faculty, administration, and other high-level nursing positions.
Fortunately, the Delaware Department of Labor projects outstanding growth between 2016 and 2026 for APRNs and other advanced nursing professionals who often hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP):
- Nurse Practitioners: 26.8%
- Nurse Anesthetists: 10.5%
- Nurse Administrators and Executives: 15.4%
- Nursing Instructors: 20.7%
The Advance Healthcare Network quantified the value of a DNP in its survey of nurse practitioners throughout the country in 2018. This survey identified a 7% increase in the salaries of NPs with a DNP, compared to those with a master’s degree as their highest degree.
Statewide Salary Data for DNP-Educated APNs and More in Delaware
DNP-educated nurses in all their various roles are consistently recognized for earning top salaries (Delaware Department of Labor, 2018):
- Nurse Administrators and Executives – $147,450+
- Nurse Practitioners – $123,480-$140,490
- Nurse Anesthetists: $203,130+
- Nurse-Midwives – $111,570-$124,490
Salaries for DNP Nurses in Dover
The Delaware Department of Labor provides salary information for DNP-educated advanced nursing professionals in Dover (2018):
Nurse Administrators and Executives:
- Dover: $103,150-$148,570
Nurse Practitioners:
- Dover: $115,960-$129,230
An Overview of Hourly Wages for Delaware’s DNP-Educated Nurses
A 2019 Medscape Compensation Report revealed that more than three-quarters (78%) of APRNs are paid overtime for their work. This statistic means that many DNP nurses are paid hourly. The Delaware Department of Labor provides hourly wages for DPN-educated nursing professionals, as of 2018:
- Nurse Administrators and Executives: $70.89+
- Nurse Anesthetists: $97.66+
- Nurse-Midwives: $53.64-$59.85
- Nurse Practitioners: $59.37-$67.54
Salary and employment data compiled by the Delaware Department of Labor in May of 2018 – (https://dol.delaware.gov/). Salary data represents state and MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area) average and median earnings for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.
All salary and job growth data accessed in December 2019.
This page includes salaries that fall within the 75th and 90th percentiles for each nursing role to account for the fact that DNP-educated nurses are recognized as earning more than master’s-prepared nurses in the same roles.