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ChristianaCare, Delaware’s Largest Private Employer, Raises Minimum Wage to $16.50 an Hour

Jul 23, 2024

2 min

Ric Cuming, EdD, MSN, RN

ChristianaCare has increased its minimum wage to $16.50 an hour effective July 21, 2024. The new $16.50 per hour minimum wage exceeds federal, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania minimum wage rates.


“At ChristianaCare, we are committed to creating health so that people can flourish, and that begins with our caregivers,” said ChristianaCare System Chief Operating Officer Ric Cuming, Ed.D., RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. “By investing in our caregivers and supporting their wellbeing, we support their ability to provide the very best care to our patients."


ChristianaCare is the largest private employer in Delaware with nearly 14,000 employees. This is the second time in recent years that ChristianaCare has raised its minimum wage; in 2019, ChristianaCare was among the first health systems in the region to raise its minimum wage to $15/hour.


This new increase to ChristianaCare’s minimum wage impacts approximately 850 caregivers who were below or near $16.50/hour.

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"It's important for us to lead by example in paying wages that support the financial wellbeing of our workforce,” said Chris Cowan, MEd, FABC, ChristianaCare’s Chief Human Resources Officer.

"Substantially increasing wages is one way we continue to attract and keep top talent at all levels in this highly competitive market. By recognizing the valuable contributions of our caregivers, we can enhance staff retention, boost morale and support an exceptional experience for everyone we serve.”


The increase is a part of ChristianaCare’s overall Total Rewards package for its caregivers, which includes a wide variety of benefits and support for caregivers and their families through all stages of life. Learn more about ChristianaCare’s Total Rewards here.


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Ric Cuming, EdD, MSN, RN

Ric Cuming, EdD, MSN, RN

Chief Operating Officer

Ric Cuming is responsible for professional practice, standards, research, outcomes and workforce in acute care and home health settings.

Operations ManagementNursing PolicyStrategyLeadershipNursing Procedures

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