How much is the registered nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in Maryland?

The reported gap in Maryland is about $56,550 a year, or roughly 131% more for registered nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.

Are these Maryland figures exact?

They're the median wages actually reported for Maryland — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.

Why are some figures verified and others estimates?

National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Maryland · MD

Registered Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) salary in Maryland

In Maryland, registered nurses earn more — an estimated $99,790 a year versus $43,240 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $56,550 (roughly 131% more). Both are estimates based on national pay for each role adjusted for Maryland.

Registered Nurse — Maryland

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$99,790

Near national

Hourly

$47.98/hr

Median $99,790

$76,780Middle 50%: $83,740–$107,340$124,790

Typical range: $83,740–$107,340; What most nurses earn
High end: $124,790; Top earners
Entry level: $76,780; Newer nurses

Nursing Assistant (CNA) — Maryland

Verified public wage data

Median annual pay

$43,240

Near national

Hourly

$20.79/hr

Median $43,240

$36,060Middle 50%: $38,400–$45,760$49,330

Typical range: $38,400–$45,760; What most nurses earn
High end: $49,330; Top earners
Entry level: $36,060; Newer nurses

Why the gap in Maryland

Registered nurses earn substantially more than certified nursing assistants because the RN is a licensed professional role requiring an ADN or BSN degree and passing the NCLEX-RN, while the CNA is an entry-level certificate role focused on assisting with basic patient care. The gap reflects differences in scope of practice, education, and clinical responsibility. The Maryland figures apply the same local pay adjustment to both roles, so the gap here mirrors the national picture, shifted for Maryland's cost of labor. Actual pay varies with experience, specialty, shift, and employer — compare the national Registered Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) comparison or personalize the calculator.

Registered Nurse vs Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Maryland — FAQ

Do registered nurses or nursing assistant (cna)s earn more in Maryland?: In Maryland, registered nurses earn more — $99,790 a year versus $43,240 for nursing assistant (cna)s, a gap of about $56,550 (roughly 131% more). Both are median wages reported for Maryland in official public wage data.
How much is the registered nurse vs nursing assistant (cna) pay gap in Maryland?: The reported gap in Maryland is about $56,550 a year, or roughly 131% more for registered nurses. Your actual pay depends on experience, specialty, shift, and employer — use the calculator to compare both for your situation.
Are these Maryland figures exact?: They're the median wages actually reported for Maryland — meaning half of nurses in the role earn more and half earn less. A median is a real measured midpoint, not a prediction of your offer: your pay moves with experience, specialty, shift, overtime, and employer.
Why are some figures verified and others estimates?: National pay for the main nursing roles — registered nurses, LPNs/LVNs, nurse practitioners, CRNAs, nurse midwives, and nursing assistants — comes from verified public wage data. State, city, and specialty figures that aren't reported on their own start from that national pay and are labeled "Estimated" or "Specialty estimate." We never show an estimate as a verified figure.

Source & confidence— A verified figure from official U.S. public wage data.

BLS OEWS (May 2025, state)

Maryland figures are published directly by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for Maryland (May 2025). They are not estimated or adjusted.

Source year 2025. Last reviewed July 17, 2026. Full methodology

Estimated figures for Maryland. Last reviewed July 17, 2026.