How Much Does a CNA Make in Delaware in 2026?
Typical pay for CNAs in Delaware, from federal wage data (May 2025), with pay by city, the ten-year trend, and how the state compares.
BLS OES May 2025 · Delaware · typical annual pay from the lowest-paid tenth to the highest-paid tenth
A typical CNA in Delaware earns about $20.21 per hour ($42,030 per year), according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That's just under the national typical pay of $42,260, about 1% lower. Delaware ranks 25th among the 50 states and Washington, D.C. for CNA pay, putting it in the middle of the pack. Around 5,530 CNAs work across the state.
How much does a CNA make in Delaware?
CNA pay by career stage in Delaware
| Career stage | Delaware | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Starting out | $36,530$17.56 an hour | $33,940$16.32 an hour |
| First years | $38,490$18.51 an hour | $37,260$17.91 an hour |
| Typical CNA | $42,030$20.21 an hour | $42,260$20.32 an hour |
| Experienced | $45,210$21.74 an hour | $47,220$22.70 an hour |
| Top 10% | $48,080$23.12 an hour | $51,980$24.99 an hour |
BLS OES May 2025 · starting out is the 10th percentile, first years the 25th, typical the median, experienced the 75th, top 10% the 90th
CNA pay growth in Delaware
Typical (median) annual wage for CNAs in Delaware · BLS OES May estimates, 2015 to 2025 · hover a bar for the year-over-year change
Delaware CNA pay has climbed steadily over the past decade, from $28,030 in 2015 to $42,030 in 2025, a 50% rise. That trails the national CNA pay increase of 64% over the same stretch, but the direction has been consistent: pay has risen every year since 2015 with no reversals. For someone starting as a CNA in Delaware now, that decade-long trend points to steadily improving pay, though nothing is guaranteed going forward.
CNA salary by city in Delaware
Pay is highest in the Wilmington metro area, where typical pay is $46,220 a year ($22.22 an hour). Dover trails at $39,600 a year ($19.04 an hour), a gap of $6,620 between the state's highest- and lowest-paying metro areas. These figures cover each city's full metro area, not just the city limits.
Higher pay in Wilmington tends to track its higher cost of living compared to Dover.
| # | City | Typical pay | Hourly | Vs Delaware | CNAs employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilmington | $46,220 | $22.22 | +10% | 30,680 |
| 2 | Dover | $39,600 | $19.04 | -6% | 890 |
Each row is one BLS metro area; cities that share a metro share its figures · BLS OES May 2025 · Delaware typical pay $42,030
How Delaware compares with nearby states
Delaware's neighbors generally pay more. New Jersey CNAs earn $46,830 a year, about 11% more than Delaware. Pennsylvania comes in at $44,590, roughly 6% higher. Maryland is closer, at $43,240, about 3% above Delaware's figure. A CNA licensed in Delaware can often test or transfer into a nearby state, so it's worth knowing how pay compares just across the border.
| State | Typical pay | Vs Delaware |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | $42,030 | baseline |
| New Jersey | $46,830 | +11% |
| Pennsylvania | $44,590 | +6% |
| Maryland | $43,240 | +3% |
Bordering states, ranked by typical CNA pay · BLS OES May 2025
Is Delaware a good state for CNAs?
CNAs in Delaware earn a competitive wage: typical pay is $42,030 a year, 1% below the national figure, ranking 25th of 51. For every 1,000 jobs in Delaware, about 11 are CNA positions; nationally, the figure is closer to 9.3. That makes the local economy more reliant on CNAs than most places, and turnover keeps positions opening through the year. Overall, Delaware is a middle-of-the-table state for CNA pay, close to the national figure.
Summary
CNAs in Delaware typically earn $42,030 a year ($20.21 an hour), a figure that has grown 50% since 2015. For details on becoming certified, check Delaware's state registry page for CNA requirements. For pay specific to a city, see the Wilmington and Dover pages for local figures.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a CNA make in Delaware?
- Typical pay for a CNA in Delaware is **$20.21 an hour**, or **$42,030 a year**, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That's close to the national figure of $42,260 a year, about 1% lower.
- How much does a CNA make an hour in Delaware?
- Typical hourly pay for a CNA in Delaware is **$20.21**, according to May 2025 wage data. Entry-level CNAs typically earn around **$17.56 an hour**, while experienced CNAs often earn upwards of $23.12 an hour.
- What is the starting pay for a CNA in Delaware?
- Entry-level positions typically offer around **$17.56 an hour** ($36,530 a year) in Delaware. As CNAs gain experience, pay rises toward the typical **$20.21 an hour**, with experienced CNAs often earning upwards of $23.12 an hour.
- Which city in Delaware pays CNAs the most?
- The Wilmington metro area pays CNAs the most in Delaware, with typical pay of **$46,220 a year** ($22.22 an hour). Dover trails at $39,600 a year ($19.04 an hour), a gap of **$6,620** between the two.
- Is CNA pay in Delaware higher than the national rate?
- No. Delaware's typical CNA pay of **$42,030 a year** is about 1% below the national figure of $42,260. Delaware ranks **25th** among the states for CNA pay, placing it near the middle nationally.