Ellicott City vs Salisbury: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Ellicott City, MD and Salisbury, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellicott City, MD | Salisbury, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,766▲ | $99,918 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.21▲ | $48.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,199 | $79,857▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,895▲ | $79,857 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,368▲ | $105,089 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,906▲ | $128,373 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 1,620▲ |
Verdict
Ellicott City, MD offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salisbury.
The salary gap between Ellicott City and Salisbury is $12,848 (12.86%). Ellicott City's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellicott City spans $75,707,Salisbury spans $48,516. Ellicott City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salisbury ($104,498 effective) pays 1.29% more than Ellicott City ($103,171 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellicott City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,766/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,906)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,498)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Ellicott City grew 10.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.9% growth in Salisbury over the same period.
Ellicott City, MD
$96,597 (2024) → $107,080 (2025)
Salisbury, MD
$70,330 (2019) → $94,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellicott City, MD
Salisbury, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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