CNA Certification Cost in Delaware 2026: $37K Salary, 2.0-Month Payback
CNA in Delaware: certified professionals earn $36,582/year at state-adjusted rates. Total cost $1,140. Payback: 2.0 months.
CNA in Delaware — Key Numbers
$37K
Avg Salary w/ Cert
+$7K
Annual Salary Boost
$1,140
Total Cost
2.0 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS state estimates 2024. State multiplier: 101% of national average.
CNA Cost Breakdown
Exam fee
$140
Study materials
$1,000
Total upfront cost
$1,140
Salary without cert (Delaware)
$29,795/yr
Salary with CNA (Delaware)
$36,582/yr
5-year net ROI
$33K
CNA Job Market in Delaware
Delaware CNA wages sit near the national median at $37K ($17.59/hr). Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies are the main employers. Demand is steady — BLS projects nursing assistant openings will remain high through 2032 due to turnover and an aging population. Community college CNA programs in Delaware typically cost $800–$1,200 for tuition. The NNAAP exam runs $120–$175. Most hospitals in Delaware prefer CNA experience for patient care technician hiring, which pays $2–$4/hr above standard CNA rates. If you're planning to go LPN or RN, CNA work experience counts toward clinical hour requirements at most Delaware nursing programs.