Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Gaithersburg, MD: $36.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Gaithersburg, MD runs $36.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,944 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Gaithersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,969 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gaithersburg, Maryland, licensed practical nurses earn a median hourly wage of $36.03, which reflects a competitive rate compared to the national figure of $32.73. This higher hourly pay can make a significant difference for part-time workers, especially those putting in 24 hours a week across three days, as well as for per-diem LPNs working in diverse healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, home health care, and physician offices. The hourly pay range allows for entry-level positions starting around $27.52 to top earners making up to $45.21 per hour. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data but are valuable for LPNs considering different work formats, including per-diem shifts, which provide flexibility in balancing their professional and personal lives.
About the Gaithersburg Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.52 | $220.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.51 | $260.11 |
| Median (P50) | $36.03 | $288.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.71 | $341.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.21 | $361.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gaithersburg
Based on $36.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.03/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gaithersburg, MD can expect to earn approximately $74,949 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,240. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gaithersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,441.33 | $6,246 | $74,949 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $864.80 | $3,747 | $44,969 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $576.53 | $2,498 | $29,980 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Gaithersburg) | $36.03 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
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.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.03/hr = $44,969/year (purchasing power: $41,143).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,949/year (purchasing power: $68,572).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Gaithersburg grew 35.6% from $25.13/hr (2019) to $34.09/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.09/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Gaithersburg
When evaluating the earning potential of a part-time licensed practical nurse working three days a week, the annual compensation can greatly differ compared to full-time roles. For instance, while the hourly compensation allows for a more consistent income stream, many LPNs in Gaithersburg may choose per-diem work, where rates commonly fall between $28 and $42 per hour, especially in high-demand nursing facilities. Some agencies offer even higher pay rates, with LPNs positioned in understaffed environments earning between $45 and $60 hourly. However, opting for positions that offer lower hourly wages may provide essential health benefits valued by some practitioners. Furthermore, negotiating hourly rates remains crucial, especially in varied settings such as hospitals or outpatient clinics, where the compensation package may prioritize benefits over pay, influencing an LPN's choice based on their life stage and professional aspirations.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Gaithersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Gaithersburg?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Gaithersburg. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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