Dover vs Wilmington: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Dover, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $226,227 | $255,230▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $108.77 | $122.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $145,831 | $165,179▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $207,445 | $219,379▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $274,519 | $313,069▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $307,746 | $355,610▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dover.
The salary gap between Dover and Wilmington is $29,003 (12.82%). Wilmington's median is +2.55% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $161,915,Wilmington spans $190,431. Wilmington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Wilmington ($250,964 effective) pays 12.82% more than Dover ($222,445 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($255,230/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($355,610)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $250,964)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Dover grew -2.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Dover, DE
$219,709 (2024) → $215,045 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$223,238 (2024) → $242,614 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Dover or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Dover to Wilmington as a nurse anesthetist?
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov