Pennsylvania vs Maryland: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Mid-Atlantic healthcare. UPMC and Penn vs. Johns Hopkins. Maryland has unique all-payer rate setting.
Pennsylvania
$82,780
avg RN salary
- Cost of living
- 95.9
- Top state income tax
- 3.07%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pennsylvania | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $82,780 | $88,130 |
| Cost of living (100 = US avg) | 95.9 | 116.5 |
| State income tax (top rate) | 3.07% | 5.75% |
Salary figures are approximate, drawn from public sources including BLS.
Notable Health Systems
Pennsylvania
- • Penn Medicine
- • UPMC
- • Penn State Health
- • Geisinger
Maryland
- • Johns Hopkins Medicine
- • University of Maryland Medical System
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state pays nurses more, Pennsylvania or Maryland?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), registered nurses in Maryland earn an average of $88,130, compared to $82,780 in Pennsylvania. The gap is roughly $5,350 per year before adjusting for cost of living.
How does the cost of living compare between Pennsylvania and Maryland?
Using the MERIC Q4 2024 cost-of-living index (100 = national average), Pennsylvania is 95.9 and Maryland is 116.5. Pennsylvania (95.9) is the more affordable of the two, while Maryland (116.5) is more expensive. Housing is typically the largest driver of these differences.
Which state has a more favorable tax environment for healthcare providers?
Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07%, while Maryland's top rate is 5.75%. Always factor in property tax, sales tax, and local taxes before making a relocation decision. States with no income tax often offset through higher sales or property taxes.
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