Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Wheaton, MD: $74,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Wheaton, MD earns a median $74,391/year (≈ $35.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Wheaton's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $68,061 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Maryland, licensed practical nurses can expect a median annual salary of $74,391 in 2026, placing them above the national median of $68,071 by approximately 9.28%. This competitive salary range spans from $55,937 at the lower end (P10) to $95,129 for the top earners (P90), reflecting the local job market dynamics and varying employer demand. Factors such as Maryland's comprehensive LPN scope-of-practice rules, allowing for IV therapy and patient assessment, contribute to demand and, subsequently, compensation in this sector. As Wheaton continues to grow as a healthcare hub, the opportunities for LPNs are likely to expand alongside the evolving needs of the community.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,937 | $26.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,457 | $31.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,391 | $35.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,400 | $42.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,129 | $45.74 |
Median Salary Position
9.28% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheaton
In Wheaton, MD, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,192 (2026 est.). At $74,391, the local median is 9.28% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheaton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheaton Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Wheaton median: $74,391/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheaton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $68,071 | +9.28% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Wheaton, MD earn a median of $74,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.28% higher than the national median of $68,071.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheaton has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wheaton, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,391 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,061 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,888
2025 BLS Actual
$70,379
2026 Current Est.
$74,391
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,888 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,533 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,691 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,275 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,379 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,631 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheaton metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $51,888 (2019) to $70,379 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,631 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,743 (51.54%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheaton 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) | $55,937 – $66,457 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,457 – $74,391 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,391 – $87,400 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,400 – $95,129 |
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 Wheaton
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 11 licensed practical nurses employed in Wheaton, MD. With a cost-of-living index at 109.3, the purchasing power of LPN salaries may be somewhat constrained by higher living expenses in the area. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically offer the highest pay, followed by home health agencies and hospitals, while physician offices tend to offer lower compensation. Variability in salary often derives from different settings, shift differentials, and incentives such as IV therapy certification stipends. To maximize earning potential in Wheaton, LPNs should consider working in long-term care settings and seeking positions that provide weekend or holiday premiums. Participating in LPN-to-RN bridge programs can also enhance career prospects and further elevate future salary opportunities.
More salary data for Wheaton, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in 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
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 $70,379 for licensed practical nursesin the Wheaton 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 Wheaton 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