Maryland RN Salary
The median Maryland Registered Nurse salary is $82,211 as of 2023. The pay ranges from the highest 10% of Registered Nurses making $131,994 and the lowest 10% making $34,939. Our salary data for RNs is consolidated from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and ZipRecruiter salary data.
Registered Nurses (RNs) are healthcare professionals who provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about health conditions, and offer support to patients and their families. They work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools. Their duties include administering medications, performing diagnostic tests, monitoring patient health, and collaborating with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
How Much Do Maryland Registered Nurses Make Per Hour?
The median wage for Registered Nurses in Maryland is $40 per hour in the US according to ZipRecruiter salary data.
What does a Registered Nurse do?
Their primary duties include assessing patient health issues, creating and executing nursing care plans, and maintaining medical documentation. RNs also administer care to patients who are ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled and may provide patients guidance on health maintenance and disease prevention.
Want to learn more about the job responsibilities of RNs? Read our full write-up here.
Highest paying nursing agencies for Maryland RNs
Top paying cities for Maryland Registered Nurses
According to ZipRecruiter data
| City | Average Annual Salary |
| Patuxent | $97k |
| Woodbine | $93k |
| Gwynn Oak | $92k |
| Aberdeen | $92k |
| Damascus | $91k |
| Bethesda | $90k |
| District Heights | $87k |
| Upper Marlboro | $87k |
| Abingdon | $86k |
How to increase your salary as a Registered Nurse in Maryland
1. Pursue Advanced Education
One of the most direct ways to increase your salary in Maryland is by furthering your education. Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or even a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) can qualify you for higher-paying positions, such as nurse practitioner (NP) & nurse educator. Specialized degrees can open doors to leadership roles and advanced practice positions, often accompanied by higher salaries.
2. Obtain Specialty Certifications
Earning specialized nursing certifications can boost your expertise and salary. Certifications such as CCRN (Critical Care), CEN (Emergency Nursing), or CNOR (Operating Room) demonstrate advanced skills and can lead to higher pay. Specialized nurses are often in high demand, and employers are willing to pay a premium for those skills.
3. Move into Leadership or Administrative Roles
Nurses who transition into leadership positions, such as nurse managers, directors of nursing, or chief nursing officers, often earn significantly higher salaries. These roles typically require additional education or experience, but they offer the opportunity to manage teams, influence policy, and increase earning potential.
4. Work Overtime or Pick Up Extra Shifts
Many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer overtime pay, particularly during staff shortages or high-demand periods. Picking up extra shifts or working in units that offer shift differentials, such as nights or weekends, can substantially boost your income.
5. Explore Travel Nursing or Per Diem Work
Travel nursing and per diem work offer flexibility and higher pay in exchange for working on short-term contracts. Travel nurses can earn higher salaries, especially in high-demand areas or specialties, and receive additional benefits like housing stipends. Per diem work allows nurses to work on an as-needed basis, often at a higher hourly rate.
6. Negotiate Your Salary
Whether you’re starting a new job or have been in the same position for years, don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary. Research the average pay for your position in your region, considering your experience and any certifications, and use that information to justify a raise. Demonstrating your value through performance metrics or specialized skills can also strengthen your case for a salary increase.
7. Relocate to Higher-Paying Areas
Geographic location plays a significant role in nursing salaries. Nurses in states like California, New York, and Massachusetts tend to earn more due to higher costs of living and greater demand for healthcare services. Consider relocating to areas with higher pay scales, or even working in rural or underserved regions where nurses are in greater demand.