Bear vs Dover: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Bear, DE and Dover, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Dover, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,388▲ | $127,171 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.13▲ | $61.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,959▲ | $85,708 |
| 25th Percentile | $121,134▲ | $101,867 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,283 | $155,175▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,680 | $185,558▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Bear and Dover are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bear and Dover is $6,217 (4.89%). Bear's median is -2.54% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $52,721,Dover spans $99,850. Dover has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bear ($131,158 effective) pays 0.56% more than Dover ($130,422 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,388/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,158)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,558)
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Bear grew 5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Dover over the same period.
Bear, DE
$121,825 (2024) → $128,940 (2025)
Dover, DE
$98,520 (2019) → $122,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Bear or Dover?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Dover?
Should I relocate from Bear to Dover as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Bear vs Dover?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov