Columbia vs Hagerstown: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Columbia, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,554▲ | $67,944 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.73▲ | $32.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,405▲ | $57,712 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,027▲ | $61,570 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,497▲ | $78,144 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,188▲ | $88,577 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 660▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, MD offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Columbia and Hagerstown is $12,610 (18.56%). Columbia's median is +18.34% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $45,783,Hagerstown spans $30,865. Columbia 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, Columbia ($73,700 effective) pays 2.15% more than Hagerstown ($72,150 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,554/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,188)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,700)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Columbia grew 9.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$69,678 (2024) → $76,210 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$49,070 (2019) → $64,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Columbia 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