Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Bethesda, MD: $71,863 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Bethesda, MD earns a median $71,863/year (≈ $34.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Bethesda's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $65,748 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bethesda, MD, licensed practical nurses can expect a median annual salary of $71,863 in 2026, reflecting a 5.57% increase over the national average. This salary range spans from $55,545 at the 10th percentile to $94,150 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential based on experience, setting, and specific skills. Local estimates drawn from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors showcase the competitive nature of the LPN job market in this area. Bethesda's scope-of-practice rules empower licensed practical nurses to perform IV therapy and various assessments, which can contribute to higher compensation and job responsibilities compared to markets with more restrictive practice limits.
About the Bethesda Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,545 | $26.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,551 | $31.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,863 | $34.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,783 | $41.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,150 | $45.26 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bethesda
In Bethesda, MD, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,605 (2026 est.). At $71,863, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bethesda: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bethesda Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Bethesda median: $71,863/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bethesda Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $74,393 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +5.57% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Bethesda, MD earn a median of $71,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $74,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bethesda has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bethesda, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,863 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,748 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,125
2025 BLS Actual
$67,988
2026 Current Est.
$71,863
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Bethesda (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,125 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,663 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,863 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,960 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bethesda metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $50,125 (2019) to $67,988 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,960 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,835 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bethesda metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $55,545 – $65,551 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,551 – $71,863 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,863 – $85,783 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,783 – $94,150 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Bethesda
The job market in Bethesda features around 18 licensed practical nurses, a reflection of the demand for skilled practitioners amid a cost-of-living index of 109.3, which is above the national average. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and long-term care organizations tend to offer the most competitive compensation, while home health agencies and physician offices generally pay less. Variations in pay are often driven by factors like shift differentials, certifications in areas such as IV therapy, and potential bonuses for weekend or holiday shifts. To enhance earning potential in Bethesda, pursuing specialized certifications and considering positions in long-term care settings can be advantageous. Those aiming to maximize their licensed practical nurse pay in Bethesda should also explore opportunities for upward mobility through LPN-to-RN bridge programs.
More salary data for Bethesda, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $67,988 for licensed practical nursesin the Bethesda metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bethesda is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov