Registered Nurse Salary in Columbia, MD (2026)
Registered Nurses (RNs) provide patient care in hospitals, clinics, schools, and other healthcare settings.
Median Annual Salary
$97,130
in Columbia · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$94,133
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#45
among cities with BLS data
Registered Nurses in Columbia
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Columbia, MD is $97,130 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $8,094/month or $47/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($96,980), Columbia pays 0% more than the typical city.
Columbia has a cost of living index of 103.2 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $97,130 in Columbia is equivalent to $94,133 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Columbia metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Registered Nurses by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $178,450 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $178,450 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $178,450 |
| 4 | Sacramento, CA | $163,020 |
| 5 | Folsom, CA | $163,020 |
| 6 | Roseville, CA | $163,020 |
| 7 | Carlsbad, CA | $139,350 |
| 8 | San Diego, CA | $139,350 |
| 9 | Chula Vista, CA | $139,350 |
| 10 | Anaheim, CA | $138,010 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Columbia
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $151,370 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $72,670 |
| Electrician | $69,850 |
| Accountant | $93,520 |
Full cost of living profile for Columbia
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Columbia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Registered Nurse salary in Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Registered Nurse in Columbia, MD is $97,130 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Columbia Registered Nurse pay compare nationally?
Columbia Registered Nurse pay ($97,130) is 0% above the median across surveyed cities ($96,980).
Does cost of living affect Registered Nurse salaries in Columbia?
Yes. Columbia has a cost of living index of 103.2 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $97,130 salary in Columbia has the purchasing power of approximately $94,133 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology