Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Gaithersburg, MD: $74,944 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Gaithersburg, MD earns a median $74,944/year (≈ $36.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Gaithersburg's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $68,567 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, the licensed practical nurse salary is projected to reach $74,944 in 2026, reflecting a competitive pay scale that exceeds the national average by approximately 10.10%. With a salary range from $57,256 at the lower end to $94,038 at the upper percentiles, these figures illustrate the potential for significant earnings based on experience and specific roles. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments reveal how shift differentials and weekend premiums contribute to attractive compensation. The job market for licensed practical nurses in Gaithersburg is influenced by diverse healthcare settings, enhancing the overall economic landscape for LPNs in the region.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,256 | $27.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,628 | $32.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,944 | $36.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,842 | $42.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,038 | $45.21 |
Median Salary Position
10.10% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gaithersburg
In Gaithersburg, MD, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $36,782 (2026 est.). At $74,944, the local median is 10.1% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gaithersburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gaithersburg Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Gaithersburg median: $74,944/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gaithersburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $74,424 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +10.10% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $74,944 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $74,424.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gaithersburg has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gaithersburg, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,944 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,567 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,274
2025 BLS Actual
$70,903
2026 Current Est.
$74,944
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,274 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,924 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,135 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,761 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,261 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,944 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,216 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gaithersburg metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $52,274 (2019) to $70,903 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,216 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,942 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gaithersburg 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) | $57,256 – $67,628 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,628 – $74,944 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,944 – $88,842 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,842 – $94,038 |
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 Gaithersburg
In terms of job market dynamics, Gaithersburg employs 14 licensed practical nurses, presenting niche opportunities largely in skilled nursing facilities and home health. According to the area's cost of living index at 109.3, the purchasing power for LPNs can be a challenge, emphasizing the need for strategic career planning. Employers offering higher salaries typically include long-term care settings that prioritize additional certifications like IV therapy and charge LPN roles. Factors such as shift differentials, weekend pay, and holiday premiums also create significant wage variability, with skilled nursing often coming out ahead. To maximize earnings, prospective LPNs should consider pursuing further certifications and exploring positions in higher-paying settings. Embracing the local healthcare environment can lead to a fruitful career path for licensed practical nurses in Gaithersburg, MD.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, 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 $70,903 for licensed practical nursesin the Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg 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