Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Laurel, MD: $51.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Laurel, MD runs $51.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,663 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $46.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,992 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Laurel, Maryland, registered nurses can expect a median hourly pay of $51.28, which is notably higher than the national median hourly rate of $49.39. This attractive compensation level allows for a favorable quality of life, especially for RNs working part-time schedules, such as three days a week, in various healthcare settings like hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies. Moreover, per-diem opportunities are available, offering flexibility for those looking to supplement their income. The hourly rates for registered nurses in Laurel range from $37.92 for entry-level positions to $71.05 for those at the top of their game, allowing for significant earning potential regardless of experience level.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.92 | $303.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.90 | $343.23 |
| Median (P50) | $51.28 | $410.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.13 | $473.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.05 | $568.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $51.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.28/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MD can expect to earn approximately $106,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,531. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,051.02 | $8,888 | $106,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,230.61 | $5,333 | $63,992 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $820.41 | $3,555 | $42,661 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Laurel) | $51.28 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Laurel, MD earn a median of $106,663 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.83% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $112,277.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.28/hr = $63,992/year (purchasing power: $58,547).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,653/year (purchasing power: $97,578).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Laurel grew 33.1% from $36.59/hr (2019) to $48.69/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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 5.31% 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 Registered Nurse in Laurel
When considering part-time work, an RN working 24 hours per week might take home around $62,230 annually, while a full-time position would likely yield a substantially higher income. Per diem or agency registered nurses in Laurel may find themselves billing anywhere from $50 to $80 per hour, reflecting the significant market demand, particularly in specialty areas. Travel nursing contracts can be even more lucrative, with pay packages ranging from $2,000 to $4,500 per week and crisis contracts for ICU placements peaking at $5,000 to $8,000 in regions facing staffing shortages. There's a variety of options available, including working in acute care hospitals or surgical centers, each with varying pay scales. Nurses often weigh the trade-offs of hourly pay versus benefits in their decision-making. Those choosing to prioritize benefits might accept lower hourly compensation rather than seeking higher rates with no health insurance. Practical negotiation tips for prospective employees in Laurel include researching average rates for specific nursing specialties and being prepared to discuss evening or weekend shift differentials when considering job offers.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for registered nurses in Laurel in 2026?
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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
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 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Laurel. 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 Laurel 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 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov