Baltimore vs Potomac: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Baltimore, MD and Potomac, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Potomac, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,836 | $108,894▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.40 | $52.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,721▲ | $75,105 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,134 | $93,812▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,766 | $125,769▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,659 | $151,362▲ |
| Total Employed | 30,930▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Potomac, MD offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Potomac is $4,058 (3.87%). Potomac's median is +6.00% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $49,938,Potomac spans $76,257. Potomac has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($100,334 effective) pays 0.71% more than Potomac ($99,629 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (30,930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,334)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Potomac if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,894/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,362)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Baltimore grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in Potomac over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$77,320 (2019) → $99,550 (2025)
Potomac, MD
$93,280 (2024) → $103,403 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Potomac, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Baltimore or Potomac?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Potomac?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Potomac as a registered nurse?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov