Senior Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Dundalk, MD: $91,529 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of licensed practical nurses working in Dundalk, MD — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $91,529/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2061. Strip back Dundalk's price premium (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $83,741 in average-cost America. The 27% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dundalk, Maryland, experienced licensed practical nurses can anticipate lucrative compensation as they advance in their careers. With a projected median annual salary of $71,863 for 2026, top earners in the field can reach impressive figures of $91,529, showcasing the potential for significant earnings over time. This P90 benchmark indicates a robust earning capacity compared to the national average of $68,071, providing a notable incentive for professionals with over seven years of experience. The gap between median and top-tier salaries illustrates the value placed on expertise, dedication, and specialized skills in this market. Achieving this level of compensation often requires further education, certifications, or roles that demand expertise in areas such as IV therapy or wound care.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dundalk
Experienced licensed practical nurses at the top of the pay scale in Dundalk earn between $85,783 and $91,529 per year (2026 est.). This $35,689 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Dundalk median of $71,863 sits 5.57% above the US median.
Top LPN Salary Comparison
| Level | Dundalk | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $71,863 | $68,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,783 | $80,364 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $91,529 | $88,196 |
In Dundalk, experienced licensed practical nurses (P90) earn 27.37% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Licensed Practical Nurse Pay in Dundalk
Advanced Certifications in Maryland
MD licensed practical nurses with additional specialty certifications within the nursing field earn significantly above the $71,863 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Dundalk employers.
Specialty Focus
Licensed Practical Nurses focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the nursing field in Dundalk command premium compensation, often reaching the $85,783–$91,529 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Dundalk metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced licensed practical nurses who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured licensed practical nurses in Dundalk with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Licensed Practical Nurses in Maryland who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Licensed Practical Nurse Career & Wage Growth Path in Dundalk
Clinical Licensed Practical Nurse
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Licensed Practical Nurse
5-10 yearsLicensed Practical Nurse Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedDundalk ranks #21 of 28 Maryland cities for top earner licensed practical nurse salary (90th percentile: $91,529).
Top 10% licensed practical nurse compensation in Dundalk ($91,529) is 7.56% below the Maryland average P90 ($99,020).
2019 BLS Actual
$65,754
2025 BLS Actual
$86,593
2026 Current Est.
$91,529
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Dundalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,754 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,996 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,200 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,395 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,813 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,092 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,593 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,529 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,746 | Projected |
Top-earning licensed practical nurses (90th percentile) in Dundalk saw their compensation grow 31.7% from $65,754 in 2019 to $86,593 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.70% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $96,746 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dundalk 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.
Maximizing Your Licensed Practical Nurse Earnings in Dundalk
Further analysis of the senior licensed practical nurse pay in MD reveals that specialization plays a crucial role in determining compensation. Areas such as long-term care, hospice and palliative care, and pediatric home care are particularly sought after, allowing LPNs to command higher wages. The variety of employer types also impacts earnings; those working in skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies may see different compensation structures compared to hospitals or physician offices. Advancement opportunities for seasoned professionals are plentiful, with pathways leading to roles such as charge LPN, nursing supervisor, or MDS coordinator in long-term care. Additionally, acquiring advanced credentials, such as an IV therapy certification, can significantly boost pay in the competitive landscape of healthcare. Non-salary compensation elements, including shift differentials or holiday premiums, further contribute to an attractive overall remuneration package for senior professionals in Dundalk.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced licensed practical nurses make in Dundalk in 2026?
What drives higher licensed practical nurse pay in Dundalk?
What certifications boost licensed practical nurse salary in Dundalk?
Can experienced licensed practical nurses make six figures in Dundalk?
How much does licensed practical nurse salary increase over time in Dundalk?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $86,593 for licensed practical nurses in the Dundalk metro area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dundalk 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