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Registered Nurse Licensing in Maryland

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for registered nurse in Maryland, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Registered Nurse in Maryland

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene • Maryland Board of Nursing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $96,830 median (3% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #14 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Maryland

With a median salary of 96,830, Registered Nurses in Maryland earn 3% above the national median of $93,600. Maryland ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$96,830

Hourly estimate

$46.55
3% above national median

Difference: +$3,230

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$75,470
  • P2525th percentile$81,470
  • P50Median$96,830
  • P7575th percentile$104,840
  • P9090th percentile$121,150

State vs National Median

State: $96,830
National: $93,600

Total employment: 48,980 | Annual openings: N/A

Registered Nurse Salary Ranking

#14 of 50 statesfor Registered Nurse median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California140,330
#2Hawaii136,320
#3Oregon123,990
#4Washington112,180
#5Alaska110,690

Nearby States Comparison

Registered Nurse licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Maryland$96,830Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Pennsylvania$87,610Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Delaware$92,610Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
West Virginia$79,990Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Virginia$88,820Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Delaware56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
West Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene • Maryland Board of Nursing

4201 Patterson Ave, Baltimore, MD, 21215

Phone: 4107641900

Related Careers in Maryland

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Audiologist$101,700Varies by state board6-24 months
Chiropractor$78,590Varies by state board6-24 months
Clinical Lab Technologist$60,150Degree required6-24 months
Dental Assistant$48,280Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Registered Nurse in Maryland?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Registered Nurse salary in Maryland?

The median annual salary for Registered Nurses in Maryland is 96,830. Salaries range from $75,470 (10th percentile) to $121,150 (90th percentile).

How does the Registered Nurse salary in Maryland compare to the national average?

Registered Nurses in Maryland earn 3% above the national median of $93,600, with a state median of 96,830.

How many Registered Nurses work in Maryland?

Maryland employs approximately 48,980 Registered Nurses according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Maryland from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Registered Nurses in Maryland?

The licensing agency is Maryland State Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene / Maryland Board of Nursing. Review agency details at https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx.