Gaithersburg vs Hagerstown: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gaithersburg, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $150,685▲ | $130,595 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.45▲ | $62.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,159▲ | $100,440 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,310▲ | $100,440 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,206▲ | $143,092 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,499▲ | $162,272 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Gaithersburg, MD offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Hagerstown is $20,090 (15.38%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gaithersburg spans $78,340,Hagerstown spans $61,832. Gaithersburg 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, Hagerstown ($138,679 effective) pays 0.59% more than Gaithersburg ($137,864 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,685/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($192,499)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,679)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Gaithersburg grew 3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Gaithersburg, MD
$140,926 (2024) → $145,660 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$105,390 (2019) → $126,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gaithersburg, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov