Bowie vs Hagerstown: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Bowie, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowie, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,038▲ | $67,944 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.60▲ | $32.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,027 | $57,712▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,715▲ | $61,570 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,587▲ | $78,144 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,729▲ | $88,577 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 660▲ |
Verdict
Bowie, MD offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Bowie and Hagerstown is $6,094 (8.97%). Bowie's median is +8.77% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowie spans $38,702,Hagerstown spans $30,865. Bowie has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hagerstown ($72,150 effective) pays 6.51% more than Bowie ($67,738 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,038/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,729)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,150)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bowie grew 3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Bowie, MD
$67,435 (2024) → $70,045 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$49,070 (2019) → $64,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bowie or Hagerstown?
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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