Certified Nursing Assistant Salary in Wilmington, DE: $50,065 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time certified nursing assistant in Wilmington, DE earns a median $50,065/year (≈ $24.07/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-1131). Once you factor in Wilmington's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $49,228 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.4% above the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, the salary outlook for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) has seen a notable ascent, reflecting a post-COVID wage reset. With a projected median annual salary of $50,065 for 2026, local compensation for CNAs is approximately 11.24% higher than the national median of $45,007. The local salary range extends from $39,756 at the 10th percentile to $59,493 at the 90th percentile, indicating varied earning potential across different roles and experience levels. These figures derive from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations. Such advancements are indicative of Wilmington’s efforts to address workforce needs and improve retention in a sector that has faced significant challenges post-COVID.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,756 | $19.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,428 | $20.87 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,065 | $24.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,064 | $26.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59,493 | $28.61 |
Median Salary Position
11.24% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
In Wilmington, DE, the certified nursing assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $19,737 (2026 est.). At $50,065, the local median is 11.24% above the national median of $45,007.
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At 40 hours/week in Wilmington: You'd be above the median
How Wilmington Certified Nursing Assistant Pay Compares
Wilmington median: $50,065/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilmington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $45,763 | +9.40% more |
| National Average | $45,007 | +11.24% more |
Certified Nursing Assistants in Wilmington, DE earn a median of $50,065 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.24% higher than the national median of $45,007 and 9.40% above the Delaware state average of $45,763.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilmington has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilmington, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,065 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,228 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$32,993
2025 BLS Actual
$47,009
2026 Current Est.
$50,065
2019–2027 Growth
+61.6%
Salary Trajectory for Certified Nursing Assistants in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 6.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,993 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,317 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,716 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,779 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,493 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,913 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,009 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,065 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,319 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilmington metropolitan area, the median certified nursing assistant salary grew 42.5% from $32,993 (2019) to $47,009 (2025). At a 6.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,319 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,326 (61.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 6.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,756 – $43,428 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,428 – $50,065 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,065 – $55,064 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,064 – $59,493 |
CNA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual certified nursing assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Certified Nursing Assistant Job Market in Wilmington
The job market for certified nursing assistants in Wilmington remains competitive, with around 10 CNAs currently employed locally. With a cost-of-living index of 101.7, which slightly exceeds the national average, this impacts the purchasing power of take-home salaries. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals typically offer the highest pay grades, particularly in specialized roles such as medical/surgical and intensive care units. The variation in wages reflects factors such as shift differentials—where night shifts can add $2-4 per hour—and weekend premiums typically around $1-3. Staffing shortages also lead to agency premium pay, as well as stipends for certified medication aides (CMAs) and roles with a focus on high-acuity patients. To maximize earnings in this Wilmington market, CNAs should consider opportunities that align with higher pay grades, seek out weekend-only positions, and pursue further certifications that enhance their qualifications in a competitive environment.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,009 for certified nursing assistantsin the Wilmington metropolitan area. A 6.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wilmington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for certified nursing assistants (SOC 31-1131).
Compiled and verified by Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov