Once a registered nurse has obtained a master’s degree or a doctorate, they may then choose to pursue a path to becoming a nurse practitioner. The specialty of nurse practitioners requires a high level of training and education of both theory and practice.
As a result of their advanced education and training, nurse practitioners can provide complete medical assessments, make diagnoses, and provide medical treatment. Nurse practitioners can also order labs, perform procedures, and prescribe medication.
The path to becoming a nurse practitioner takes desire, time, and money. Whether you’re a nursing student, a registered nurse contemplating becoming a nurse practitioner, or a nurse practitioner who has attained this level of practice, you may be wondering how much a nurse practitioner makes.
You may be weighing the benefits of an increase in salary compared to the amount of education (cost and time) it will take to become a nurse practitioner. There are a variety of factors that influence nurse practitioner salaries. The location of the nurse practitioner’s workplace is a major factor.
In this article, we will look at salaries for nurse practitioners in Maryland. In addition, we will discuss nurse practitioner salaries for different cities in Maryland, salary ranges for different levels of experience, and how nurse practitioner salaries stack up against other healthcare professionals.
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Starting Salary
Nurse practitioners in an entry-level position will make an average of $89,551 a year in Maryland. That works out to $7,462 a month or $43.05 an hour. This starting salary pertains to that first year working as a nurse practitioner.
Different states within the United States offer varying starting salaries for nurse practitioners. Additionally, salaries also differ from city to city within the same state. Living expenses and the size of the city are also important factors. A detailed analysis of nurse practitioner salaries by city will be discussed later in this article.
The cost of living has an effect on nurse practitioner salaries in Maryland. Compared to the rest of the United States, many of the cities in Maryland have a higher cost of living. This is important to take into consideration when looking at nurse practitioner pay compared to other states. It’s important to compare both nurse practitioner salary and how much it will cost to live in each area you’re exploring.
The starting salary you receive will also be influenced by the specialty as a nurse practitioner and the practice setting you are working in.
| Hourly | $43.05 |
| Monthly | $7,462 |
| Yearly | $89,551 |
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Average Salary
Just like with other careers or jobs, a nurse practitioner’s salary in Maryland is determined by a variety of factors. In addition to location, specialty, and type of practice, years of experience, shift differentials, and degrees and certifications also affect nurse practitioner salaries.
Taking a look at the averages, nurse practitioners in Maryland make around $128,319 per year. This equates to $10,693 per month and $61,69 per hour.
| Hourly | $61.69 |
| Monthly | $10,693 |
| Yearly | $128,319 |
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Years of Experience Salary
It’s generally common knowledge that the more experience someone has in their career, the higher their income potential. Nurse practitioners are no exception in this regard. Nurse practitioners can expect to earn more money as they progress in their careers.
The number of years a nurse practitioner works has a big influence on their salary. The skills that a nurse practitioner gains working as a nurse practitioner are invaluable.
A nurse practitioner becomes more efficient with their clinical judgment and skills over the years. The experience gained over the course of many years working, gaining on-the-job training and hands-on skills, can’t be taught.
Therefore, the more experience a nurse practitioner has, they become worth more, which increases their salary. Level of experience is an important factor to keep in mind when considering nurse practitioner salaries.
In Maryland, nurse practitioners earn an average salary of $89,551 per year, or $43.05 per hour. Within the first five or six years after becoming a nurse practitioner, the average salary increases to $115,304 per year. That’s an increase of over $25,000 in salary in just a few short years.
According to a mid-level experience range, nurse practitioners with ten years of experience earn an average salary of $132,650. That comes out to $11,054 per month and $63.77 per hour.
With more than twenty years of experience, nurse practitioners can make an average of $159,522 per year; that is $11,380 per month and $65.66 per hour.
| # of Years of Experience | Hourly | Monthly | Yearly |
| Less Than 1 Year of Experience | $43.05 | $7,462 | $89,551 |
| 1-4 Years of Experience | $46.96 | $8,139 | $97,670 |
| 5-9 Years of Experience | $55.43 | $9,608 | $115,304 |
| 10-19 Years of Experience | $63.77 | $11,054 | $132,650 |
| 20+ Years of Experience | $65.66 | $11,380 | $159,522 |
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Practice Setting Salary
In addition to their years of experience, nurse practitioners receive salaries based on the practice setting in which they work. These differences are due to a multitude of things, including shift work versus a traditional schedule, and the risk that varies with each practice setting.
Nurse practitioners in hospitals will typically earn a higher salary since the work has the potential of being higher risk and the shift may be harder to fill (i.e. weekends, nights, holidays, overtime, etc.). Nurse practitioners working in hospitals in Maryland make an average of $124,660 per year. On the other hand, nurse practitioners that work in a lower risk area with more appealing hours can expect to earn about $111,400 a year, at the lower end of the pay scale.
It is imperative that people consider their own situation and goals when assessing all of these factors. It might be worth it to some people to work weekends and holidays, so they can earn a higher salary. In contrast, some people may find that working weekends and holidays isn’t ideal for their personal or family situations, so they are willing to accept a lower salary to avoid working during those times.
The good news is that there are many options available to choose from that can address a variety of situations and goals.
| Practice Setting Type | Hourly | Yearly |
| Outpatient Facilities | $59.06 | $122,840 |
| Hospitals | $59.93 | $124,660 |
| Other Healthcare Provider Offices | $53.66 | $111,610 |
| Doctor’s Offices | $55.08 | $114,570 |
| Colleges and Universities | $53.56 | $111,400 |
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Speciality Salary
Adult Gerontology-Acute Care
- Adult gerontology-acute care nurse practitioners specialize in diagnosing, managing, and treating a range of severe acute conditions, primarily in that of patients over 65 years of age
- Work in urgent care facilities, skilled nursing care centers, and hospitals
- The average Maryland adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner makes $109,960 per year or $52.87 an hour
| Hourly | $48.51 |
| Yearly | $100,893 |
Adult Gerontology-Primary Care
- Adult gerontology-primary care nurse practitioners and family nurse practitioners have some similarities
- Provide medical care to patients who are over the age of 18
- Work in doctor’s offices, outpatient clinics, home health, and nursing homes
- The average Maryland adult gerontology-primary care nurse practitioner makes $103,980 per year or $49.99 an hour
| Hourly | $48.97 |
| Yearly | $101,856 |
Dermatology
- Dermatology nurse practitioners are certified by the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board through examinations and qualifications
- Work in offices that specialize in cosmetic treatments, dermatology offices, and surgical settings assisting with skin cancer treatments
- The average Maryland dermatology nurse practitioner makes $108,450 per year or $52.14 an hour
| Hourly | $51.08 |
| Yearly | $106,244 |
Family
- Nursing care for the entire family is provided by family nurse practitioners who are skilled in diagnosing and managing a variety of health conditions that affect both children and adults
- Work in clinics, office, and hospitals
- The average Maryland family nurse practitioner makes $107,870 per year or $51.86 an hour
| Hourly | $56.86 |
| Yearly | $118,271 |
Neonatal
- Neonatal nurse practitioners in a neonatal intensive care unit in a hospital to manage and treat high-risk infants
- Work in conjunction with the neonatologist
- The average Maryland neonatal nurse practitioner makes $115,790 per year or $55.67 an hour
| Hourly | $64.10 |
| Yearly | $133,325 |
Pediatric-Acute Care
Pediatric-acute care nurse practitioners specialize in diagnosing, managing, and treating a range of severe acute conditions, primarily in that of patients under the age of 18
Work in hospitals, skilled nursing care centers, and urgent care facilities
The average Maryland pediatric-acute care nurse practitioner makes $112,840 per year or $54.25 an hour
| Hourly | $54.83 |
| Yearly | $114,036 |
Pediatric-Primary Care
- Pediatric-primary care nurse practitioners and family nurse practitioners have some similarities
- Provide medical care to patients under the age of 18
- Work in pediatric offices, urgent care clinics, and schools
- The average Maryland pediatric-primary care nurse practitioner makes $104,480 per year or $50.23 an hour
| Hourly | $51.12 |
| Yearly | $106,330 |
Psychiatric-Mental Health
- Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners specialize in identifying, diagnosing, and treating patients with mental health conditions and substance abuse problems
- Work in inpatient hospitals, drug rehabilitation centers, outpatient centers, residential facilities, and doctor’s offices
- The average Maryland psychiatric nurse practitioner makes $113,600 per year or $54.62 an hour
| Hourly | $55.13 |
| Yearly | $114,670 |
Women’s Health
- Women’s health nurse practitioners provide comprehensive healthcare to women throughout all stages of their lives
- Work local clinics, hospitals, OB/GYN offices, prenatal clinics, private practices, and women’s correctional facilities
- The average Maryland women’s health nurse practitioner makes $104,480 per year or $50.23 an hour
| Hourly | $54.28 |
| Yearly | $112,904 |
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Salary By City
We are all familiar with the phrase “location, location, location.” This is generally heard in terms of real estate but can be applied to many areas. For instance, the salary of a nurse practitioner is influenced by this concept. It generally means location is everything. It is important to consider the location in which a nurse practitioner works when examining their salary in Maryland.
The type of location you’re looking for should be kept in mind when looking at different locations. You may be considering a big city, a small one-horse town, a suburb, or an area that is more rural. The salary for each location also varies according to the availability of nurse practitioners in that region.
A nurse practitioner’s salary and benefits tend to be higher and more competitive when there is a high demand for nurse practitioners in an area. Keeping these factors in mind when selecting an area can help you make an informed decision.
The following is a breakdown of the average salary in some of the main cities in Maryland.
Baltimore
- Home of the world-renowned Johns Hopkins Hospital
- Most populous city in the state of Maryland
- Located only 40 miles from Washington D.C.
- The average nurse practitioner in Baltimore makes $125,502 per year or $60.34 an hour
| Hourly | $60.34 |
| Yearly | $125,502 |
Germantown
- A prominent part of the Washington, D.C., metro area, being only 25 miles away
- Third most populous city in the state of Maryland
- The average nurse practitioner in Germantown makes $135,005 per year or $64.91 an hour
| Hourly | $64.91 |
| Yearly | $135,005 |
Waldorf
- Southern Maryland’s largest business and residential area
- Popular community for commuters working in Washington D.C. in the healthcare industries
- The average nurse practitioner in Waldor makes $136,027 per year or $65.40 an hour
| Hourly | $65.40 |
| Yearly | $136,027 |
Crisfield
- Small town in the Maryland and Delaware metro area
- Popular tourist destination, hosting many events and festivals
- The average nurse practitioner in Crisfield makes $118,411 a year or $56.93 an hour
| Hourly | $56.93 |
| Yearly | $118,411 |
Annapolis
- Maryland’s state capital
- Home to the United States Naval Academy and St. John’s College
- The average nurse practitioner in Annapolis makes $125,502 a year or $60.34 an hour
| Hourly | $60.34 |
| Yearly | $125,502 |
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared To Other Nursing Careers
A nurse practitioner education can be well worth the investment for Maryland registered nurses. In Maryland, nurse practitioners make about 30 percent more money than registered nurses.
Nursing professions offer a wide range of salaries. The pay for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) is at the lower end with a salary of $36,592. Nurse anesthetists have the highest salary among nurse professionals.
Nurse anesthetists in Maryland earn an average salary of $195,009 per year—a wage nearly 35 percent higher than that of a nurse practitioner, which is $128,319. By considering the time and financial investment they must make to complete their schooling, we are able to see they are compensated considerably more for the work they put into their education.
| Occupation | Average Yearly Salary |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | $195,009 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $128,319 |
| Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) | $119,909 |
| Nursing School Professor | $63,619 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $89,620 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $53,854 |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $36,592 |
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared To Other Healthcare Careers
The salaries of physician assistants and nurse practitioners in Maryland are comparable, with their being only less than $5,000 per year difference between the two professions. Chiropractors in Maryland make an average salary of $69,190 per year, which is on the low end of the salary spectrum.
A dentist, however, makes an average of $213,250 per year on the other end of the pay scale. The average salary of a nurse practitioner in Maryland is $128,319 per year, which is near the middle of salaries across the board for other healthcare professionals.
| Occupation | Average Yearly Salary |
| Dentist | $206,210 |
| Podiatrist | $231,485 |
| Optometrist | $149,098 |
| Pharmacist | $145,331 |
| Physician’s Assistant | $123,500 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $128,319 |
| Veterinarian | $104,921 |
| Physical Therapist (PT) | $97,090 |
| Audiologist | $88,292 |
| Speech Therapist | $88,839 |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | $91,962 |
| Chiropractor | $111,400 |
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Salary Compared Nationwide
Nurse practitioners in Maryland make an average of $128,319 per year. The average salary for nurse practitioners in the United States is $119,671. As a result, nurse practitioners in Maryland typically earn $8,648 (over 7%) more per year than their counterparts across the nation.
Top Five Paid Maryland Nurse Practitioners
Neonatal nurse practitioners have the highest average salary among other nurse practitioners in Maryland. Neonatal nurse practitioners in Maryland earn an average salary of $133,325 per year. Adult gerontology nurse practitioners round out the top five list at the bottom, at a still very nice salary of $100,893 per year.
| Rank | Nurse Practitioner Specialty | Yearly |
| 1 | Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) | $133,325 |
| 2 | Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) | $114,670 |
| 3 | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner | $114,036 |
| 4 | Dermatology Nurse Practitioner | $106,244 |
| 5 | Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | $100,893 |
Maryland Nurse Practitioner Future
In Maryland, the job outlook for nurse practitioners is very promising. The number of nurse practitioners is expected to increase by over 18 percent from 2022 to 2027.
How To Become a Nurse Practitioner
If you’re not already a nurse practitioner, you may be looking at all these salary numbers with an interest in becoming a nurse practitioner. You need to be a registered nurse and graduate from an advanced degree program in order to become a nurse practitioner.
Before admission to an advanced degree program (master’s degree or doctorate), you must have experience working as a registered nurse for a certain amount of time (usually two or three years) in the desired specialty. Getting accepted into an advanced degree in nursing program is the next step in the process of becoming a nurse practitioner.
The number of years it takes to become a nurse practitioner in Maryland varies. Your program of study will determine the amount of time it takes for you to become a nurse practitioner, as well as whether you will be a full-time or part-time student. This includes all academic courses, internships, and clinical experiences required by the program.
As mentioned above, to become a nurse practitioner, you must first be a registered nurse. To become a registered nurse, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to obtain a registered nurse license. After finishing an undergraduate degree, you must then obtain a graduate degree in nursing—MSN or DNP—which will qualify you to take the nurse practitioner licensing exam in the specialty in which you choose to practice.
Additionally, the length of nurse practitioner programs varies depending on whether a student chooses a traditional program or an accelerated program. How one obtains their registered nurse license is also an important factor to take into account.
Six to seven years is generally the average length of the educational process. This includes roughly four years of undergraduate study to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, and then another two years to earn a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Through an accelerated program, this process can be fast-tracked. On the other hand, it can be slowed down by studying part-time rather than full-time or going through a traditional program.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just beginning your education journey, working as a registered nurse, or already a nurse practitioner, there are many options to explore when looking at nurse practitioner salaries. Nurse practitioners need to take into account a variety of factors when looking at salaries for various locations. Maryland offers nurse practitioners a wide range of opportunities to make this beautiful state their home.
Besides offering a competitive salary that is comparable to the rest of the country, the benefits and compensation are very attractive. It may be worthwhile considering Maryland as a possible practice location when considering where to practice as a nurse practitioner.
Recommended similar articles:
- Nurse Practitioner Salary in Ontario
- Nurse Practitioner Salary in Vancouver
- Nurse Practitioner Salary in Manitoba
- Nurse Practitioner Salary in Alberta
- Nurse Practitioner Salary in Toronto
Written by Joanne Potter
Joanne, BSN and RN, is a writer that specializes in health and wellness. She has fifteen years of experience as a Registered Nurse in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit). Her years working at the bedside and extensive neonatal knowledge enable her to write with a deep understanding of what patients and families want from their communities. Visit her LinkedIn page.
Sources (March 2022):
SalaryExpert
U.S. Department of Labor
Healthgrades
Careeronestop
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary.com
