Baltimore vs Wheaton: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Baltimore, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,127▲ | $74,391 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.04▲ | $35.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,614▲ | $55,937 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,255▲ | $66,457 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,429 | $87,400▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,609▲ | $95,129 |
| Total Employed | 5,120▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Wheaton is $4,736 (6.37%). Baltimore's median is +16.24% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $36,995,Wheaton spans $39,192. Wheaton has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($75,729 effective) pays 11.27% more than Wheaton ($68,061 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,127/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,609)
- ✓Larger job market (5,120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,729)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Baltimore grew 35.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.9% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$55,390 (2019) → $74,860 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$67,757 (2024) → $70,379 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Baltimore or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Wheaton as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Baltimore vs Wheaton?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov