Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Dundalk, MD: $71,863 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Dundalk, MD earns a median $71,863/year (≈ $34.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Dundalk's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $65,748 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Dundalk, the projected median annual salary for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in 2026 is $71,863, which represents a notable 5.57% higher than the national median of $68,071. This local figure falls within a salary range that spans from $55,840 at the 10th percentile to $91,529 at the 90th percentile. The data reflects insights from 2025 BLS estimates, adjusted for local price levels in Maryland. With IV therapy and patient assessment included in the state’s LPN scope-of-practice rules, these competencies can support a more competitive salary landscape. The job market in Dundalk continues to show promise, although the localized economic factors cultivate distinct earning trajectories for those within this demanding profession.
About the Dundalk Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,840 | $26.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,551 | $31.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,863 | $34.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,783 | $41.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,529 | $44.00 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dundalk
In Dundalk, MD, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,689 (2026 est.). At $71,863, the local median is 5.57% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dundalk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dundalk Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Dundalk median: $71,863/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dundalk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $74,393 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $68,071 | +5.57% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Dundalk, MD earn a median of $71,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.40% below the Maryland state average of $74,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dundalk has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dundalk, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,863 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,748 — a 8.51% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$50,125
2025 BLS Actual
$67,988
2026 Current Est.
$71,863
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
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 | $50,125 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,540 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,748 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,663 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,454 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,988 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,863 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,960 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dundalk metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 35.6% from $50,125 (2019) to $67,988 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,960 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,835 (51.54%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $55,840 – $65,551 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,551 – $71,863 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,863 – $85,783 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,783 – $91,529 |
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 Dundalk
The local job market features just ten licensed practical nurses currently employed in Dundalk, illustrating a focused but potentially competitive environment for LPNs. With a cost-of-living index of 109.3, the expenses in this area are higher than the national average, which impacts overall take-home pay. Skilled nursing facilities, often the highest-paying employers for LPNs, typically offer better compensation than home health agencies or physician offices. Factors influencing salary variations include shift differentials, weekend pay, and IV therapy certification, all of which can significantly enhance earnings. For LPNs in Dundalk seeking to maximize their pay, pursuing positions in long-term care facilities and obtaining specialized certifications can be viable strategies. Understanding the dynamics of local employment opportunities is crucial for those considering advancement in their practical nursing careers.
More salary data for Dundalk, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Dundalk, MD in 2026?
Is Dundalk, MD a good place to work as a licensed practical nurse?
Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Dundalk?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Dundalk?
How much does a licensed practical nurse make per hour in Dundalk?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 $67,988 for licensed practical nursesin the Dundalk 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 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