Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median registered nurse salary in Columbia, MD is $99,088 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$99,088
vs State Avg
+$6,497
vs National
+$17,868
Cost of Living
118%

Registered Nurse Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median registered nurse salary of $99,088, which is $6,497 above the Maryland state average of $92,591. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $99,088 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,973. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in Columbia spans from $70,028 at the 10th percentile to $147,376 at the 90th percentile — a $77,348 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,760, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,300. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $70,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,760
+$12,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,040
+$18,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,300
+$25,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $70,028
25th Percentile $81,496
Median (50th) $99,088
75th Percentile $123,342
90th Percentile $147,376

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$102,337
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$96,652
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$90,966
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$88,530
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Columbia

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Columbia

Browse open registered nurse positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Columbia, Maryland is $99,088 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $70,028 (10th percentile) to $147,376 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $99,088, a registered nurse in Columbia earns approximately $48 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Columbia's median registered nurse salary of $99,088 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $92,591. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $99,088 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Columbia? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.