Registered Nurse License Cost in Delaware 2026: $405 Fees, $88K Salary
Getting a Registered Nurse license in Delaware costs $405 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.
Registered Nurse License in Delaware — Key Numbers
$405
Upfront Cost
$88K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$110
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.1 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Delaware
Exam fee
$200
Application fee
$130
Initial license fee
$75
Total upfront
$405
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs)
$110
CE hours required per cycle
30 hours
Salary without license (Delaware)
$42,840/yr
Salary with license (Delaware)
$87,720/yr
5-year net ROI
$224K
Licensing body: Delaware Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
Registered Nurse License in Delaware — What to Know
Delaware RN demand is driven by hospital systems, long-term care, and home health agencies. The $88K median reflects the state's wage scale — solid earning potential with lower cost of living than coastal markets. The NCLEX-RN ($200) plus state fees brings the typical upfront licensing cost to $400–$600. Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, ONC) carry meaningful salary premiums in Delaware's hospital systems. RN-to-BSN completion programs are widely available in the state.