Licensed Practical Nurse in Maryland: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
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Maryland employs 9,560 LVNs, with a statewide median of $74,660 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Maryland licensing picture, and where to train.
What LVNs Earn in Maryland (May 2025)
- Maryland median pay
- $74,660 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $60,720
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $79,670
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $90,010
- Employed in Maryland
- 9,560
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,340 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for LVNs in major Maryland markets:
- Washington DC metro
- $75,860 (7,170 employed)
- Baltimore
- $74,860 (5,120 employed)
- Salisbury
- $65,730 (240 employed)
- Hagerstown
- $64,280 (660 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Maryland
Prices in Maryland run about 5% above the national average (cost-of-living index 105.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $74,660 median is worth closer to $71,105 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Maryland (2024–2034)
Maryland is projected to grow LVNs employment +2.9%, about in line with the +2.6% projected nationally. The state expects about 780 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Maryland License and Certification Requirements
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — single-state license (NLC compact covers RNs only in Maryland) — regulated by the Maryland Board of Nursing — Maryland Department of Health.
- Complete a state-approved practical nursing program (typically 12–18 months) at CCBC, Carroll Community College, or Hagerstown Community College.
- Pass the NCLEX-PN. Complete the Maryland jurisprudence exam covering state nursing laws and regulations — this is a Maryland-specific requirement beyond NCLEX.
- Apply to the Maryland Board of Nursing (MD DOH) for your LPN license. Note: Maryland's NLC compact membership applies to Registered Nurses (RNs) only — LPNs receive single-state Maryland licenses and must apply for endorsement to work in other states.
Official requirements: Maryland Board of Nursing — Maryland Department of Health →
Training in Maryland
Johns Hopkins Hospital, University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar Health (Washington DC regional system with major Maryland facilities), and LifeBridge Health are major LPN employers. Maryland LPN wages are significantly above the national median, reflecting DC Metro area compensation. The jurisprudence exam is an additional step Maryland requires — plan for it after passing NCLEX.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Maryland include:
- Allegany College of Maryland — Certificate / Associate
- Anne Arundel Community College — Certificate
- Baltimore City Community College — Certificate
- Carroll Community College — Certificate
Where LVNs Work in Maryland
Real Maryland nursing & rehab facilities that employ LVNs include:
- Hebrew Home of Greater Washington — Rockville
- Stella Maris, Inc. — Timonium
- Bay Harbor Post Acute Healthcare Center — Salisbury
- Charlotte Hall Veterans Home — Charlotte Hall
- Wilson Health Care Center — Gaithersburg
- Complete Care at Hyattsville — Hyattsville
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want a faster healthcare entry point and can handle direct care.
Think twice if: Bodily fluids, shift work, emotional stress, or physical lifting are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
First Steps
Compare state-approved LPN programs and NCLEX-PN pass rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do LVNs make in Maryland?
The median wage for LVNs in Maryland is $74,660 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $60,720, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $90,010. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Maryland?
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) — single-state license (NLC compact covers RNs only in Maryland), overseen by the Maryland Board of Nursing — Maryland Department of Health. Complete a state-approved practical nursing program (typically 12–18 months) at CCBC, Carroll Community College, or Hagerstown Community College.
Is being a Licensed Practical Nurse a good career in Maryland?
Practical nursing relies on bedside presence, trust, care coordination, and licensed hands-on support.
Which Maryland metros pay LVNs the most?
Among Maryland metro areas, Washington DC metro leads at $75,860, followed by Baltimore ($74,860), Salisbury ($65,730). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in Maryland?
Real Maryland options include Allegany College of Maryland, Anne Arundel Community College, Baltimore City Community College. Most LVNs start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Licensed Practical Nurse a growing career in Maryland?
Maryland projects LVNs employment to change +2.9% from 2024 to 2034, with about 780 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Maryland statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2061. Licensing summary compiled from the Maryland Board of Nursing — Maryland Department of Health (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Maryland wages · Maryland licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.