Average RN Salary in Maryland: See How Much MD Nurses Make
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Credit: Christopher Russell | EyeEm | Getty ImagesMaryland’s strong economy, proximity to major cities, and recreational and entertainment options make it an appealing location for registered nurses (RNs) looking to relocate or those just beginning their career.
Maryland offers RNs competitive salaries and expanding career opportunities. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of nursing jobs in the state is projected to grow 21.7% between 2018 and 2028, almost 10% higher than the national projection of 12.1%.
Read on to find out what factors impact RN salaries in Maryland.
- Average Maryland RN Salary: $78,350 (Ranks 14th among all states)
- Hourly Maryland RN Salary: $39.74
- Projected Maryland RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 21.7%
Source:BLS
Average RN Salaries in Maryland
Employment prospects for RNs continue to expand throughout the U.S., with Maryland projecting to add over 13,000 RN positions between 2018 and 2028. RNs in the state earn some of the highest salaries in the nation.
The average RN salary in Maryland is $82,660, with an average hourly wage of $39.74. However, compensation rates vary by type of employer and years of experience. RN salaries in the state range from $60,420 and below for the bottom 10% to $101,650 and above for those in the highest 10%.
Major employers for Maryland’s RNs include some of the nation’s top-ranking hospitals, such as Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland Medical Center. Because Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member, graduates of the state’s nursing schools can practice in all 39 NLC member states.
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $60,420 | $29.05 |
| 25% | $65,050 | $31.28 |
| 50% (Median) | $78,350 | $37.67 |
| 75% | $97,780 | $47.01 |
| 90% | $101,650 | $48.87 |
Source:BLS
Maryland RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
Consider how the cost of living in the state where you intend to practice will affect your RN salary. The cost-of-living index adjusts earnings to regional price parity (RPP), based on the cost of essentials, such as clothing, food, housing, utilities, healthcare, and transportation. The index measures how much an individual needs to spend to meet a certain standard of living, with a rank of 100 equal to the national average.
RNs considering job prospects in states like Maryland, with a higher-than-average cost of living, pay more for the goods and services they need to meet their personal obligations and achieve their desired quality of life. Maryland’s cost-of-living index ranks 6.5% higher than the national average, making it the eighth most expensive state in the nation.
When adjusted for cost of living, the average RN salary in Maryland of $77,287 ranks 28th in the United States. Although Maryland is an expensive place to live, many RNs are attracted by the state’s robust economy, healthcare opportunities, and top-rated schools.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $77,287 (Ranks 28th among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 106.5 (6.5% higher than the U.S. average)
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Maryland
Maryland employs over 51,000 RNs, with close to 31,000 RNs working in Baltimore. The Baltimore metro area offers the highest salary among the top five highest-paying cities for RNs in Maryland. RNs working in the Baltimore area earn an annual average salary of $83,080. The other cities listed pay considerably less, with average salaries ranging from $77,880 in the California-Lexington Park region to $72,880 in the Cumberland area.
The state boasts nine hospitals with Magnet designations, including four in Baltimore alone. Magnet hospitals, recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center for their quality patient care outcomes, best nursing practices, and higher nurse salaries, rank among the best places for RNs to work.
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Baltimore — Columbia — Towson, MD | $83,080 |
| California — Lexington Park, MD | $77,880 |
| Salisbury, MD — DE | $77,400 |
| Hagerstown — Martinsburg, MD — WV | $75,090 |
| Cumberland, MD — WV | $72,880 |
Source:BLS
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in Maryland
Education plays a significant role in boosting earning potential and career prospects. RNs with a two-year or four-year college degree earn considerably more than nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses/ licensed vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs). RNs can enter the field with an associate degree, but many employers prefer to hire graduates of bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) programs. A BSN also provides the necessary background for graduate work that can lead to advanced practice nursing positions.
Earning a master of science in nursing or doctor of nursing practice degree prepares nurses for positions as nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists. These in-demand specializations pay well over $100,000 annually, making them the highest nursing salaries in Maryland.
- Nursing Assistants: $34,040
- LPN/LVNs: $56,380
- Nurse Midwives: $113,860
- Nurse Practitioners: $115,700
- Nurse Anesthetists: $180,560
