Focus Areas
The Maryland Nursing Workforce Center belongs to every nurse and nurse worker in the state of Maryland.
We build bridges across the Maryland nursing community by serving as a resource for nursing data; an advocate for issues affecting the nursing community; and a champion for recruitment, retention and educational efforts as we work together as a community to create a stronger Maryland nursing workforce.
Maryland Nursing Demographics Snapshot
Age Distribution
In 2022, the percentage of registered nurses over the age of 55 was estimated at 28%. The average age at initial nursing degree in Maryland is 27.8 years.
Education levels
The number of associate degree nurses decreased by 4%, and baccalaureate degree nurses increased by 3% in Maryland from 2018 - 22. The use of federally-assisted student loans increased slightly from 37% - 38% between 2018 - 22.
Ethnicity
Maryland’s nursing workforce is diverse; there is a notable representation of various racial and ethnic groups, reflecting the state’s multicultural population.
Foreign Languages
The percentage of all licensed nurses speaking a foreign language increased from 21.9% - 27% between 2018 - 22. In 2022, 20% of all licensed nurses spoke a foreign language.
Gender Distribution
According to 2022 data, the Maryland nursing workforce is comprised of 91% women and 9% men.