Pennsylvania vs Maryland: Healthcare Job Market Comparison
Mid-Atlantic healthcare. UPMC and Penn vs. Johns Hopkins. Maryland has unique all-payer rate setting.
Pennsylvania
2,343
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $82,780
- Avg physician salary
- $362,000
- Cost of living
- 95.9
- Top state income tax
- 3.07%
Maryland
2,522
physicians tracked
- Avg RN salary
- $88,130
- Avg physician salary
- $362,000
- Cost of living
- 116.5
- Top state income tax
- 5.75%
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pennsylvania | Maryland |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians tracked | 2,343 | 2,522 |
| Cities served | 414 | 197 |
| Avg RN salary (BLS May 2024) | $82,780 | $88,130 |
| Avg physician salary | $362,000 | $362,000 |
| 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, Medscape, and Doximity compensation reports.
Top Cities for Providers
Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia457
- Pittsburgh185
- Allentown91
- York63
- Erie59
Maryland
- Baltimore715
- Bethesda168
- Silver Spring120
- Rockville119
- Towson65
Notable Health Systems
Pennsylvania
- • Penn Medicine
- • UPMC
- • Penn State Health
- • Geisinger
Maryland
- • Johns Hopkins Medicine
- • University of Maryland Medical System
Medical Licensure Boards
Each state has its own medical board. Check fees, required CME hours, and reciprocity before applying.
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.
Which state has higher physician salaries, Pennsylvania or Maryland?
Aggregated compensation data shows physicians in Maryland earn approximately $362,000 on average, compared to $362,000 in Pennsylvania. Specialty and practice setting drive much larger variations than state averages suggest.
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.
How many physicians practice in Pennsylvania vs. Maryland?
Ava Health tracks approximately 2,343 physicians in Pennsylvania across 414 cities, and 2,522 physicians in Maryland across 197 cities, plus nurses and therapists in both states. Figures are sourced from the CMS NPPES NPI registry and refreshed regularly.
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.
Other State Comparisons
Florida vs Texas
Two Sun Belt giants. Texas edges ahead on physician salary. Florida wins on retiree-driven demand.
California vs Texas
The nation's two largest healthcare markets. California pays nurses the most. Texas offers lower cost of living.
California vs New York
Coast-to-coast heavyweights. Both pay top 10 nationwide. The decision often comes down to lifestyle.
New York vs New Jersey
Same metro, different tax regime. NJ licensure offers similar pay with lower state income tax.
Texas vs Arizona
No-state-income-tax Texas vs. high-demand Arizona. Both are fast-growing healthcare markets.
North Carolina vs Virginia
Research Triangle vs. DC metro. Different healthcare ecosystems, comparable salaries.