Average salary in Maryland

The state of Maryland is located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States and has a population of approximately 6 million people. The average salary in Maryland varies by county and profession, but overall the state has a higher average salary than the national average. The highest paying occupations in the state include healthcare practitioners, technical, management, computer and mathematical occupations.

It is worth noting that the cost of living in Maryland can be higher than the national average, particularly in certain areas such as the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. However, the higher average salaries in certain counties can help offset these costs and make living in Maryland more affordable. But which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries?

Average salary in Maryland by city

City living is often more expensive than living in more rural areas, but it’s also where the money is. Maryland’s own cities can vary massively in average salary; 40% of the state’s largest cities command well into six figures, while Baltimore’s average sits at $51,000.

Average earnings by city—or any other geographical metric—is just one way of calculating wealth, and certainly shouldn’t be the only way you look at your own earning potential in a given place. It doesn’t take into account the type of jobs that people do to earn above or below this average bracket, and omits any consideration for the number of people living in a household. However, it’s certainly one way of establishing which place offers good earning opportunities.

The US Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey has calculated the average earnings for the 20 largest cities in Maryland, which you can find ranked below.

Average salary in Maryland by county

Reviewing average salaries in Maryland by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in Maryland by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.

The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for each county.

Highest paying jobs in Maryland

There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Maryland: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.

Zippia has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by occupation area, which you can also find below.

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Maryland

What is the average salary in Maryland by age?
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in Maryland are also dependent on age, since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income.

The Census Bureau data finds that householders under 25 years old have a median household income of $43,093; householders aged 25 to 44 years old have a median income of $87,767; those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $97,817; and those 65 and older have a median income of $57,691.

What is a ‘good’ salary in Maryland?
The median income in Maryland is $86,738. Defining what is a 'good' salary depends on various factors such as personal circumstances, location, and industry. For instance, $120,000 a year could be a good salary for someone living in a smaller city, while it may not be enough for someone living in a more expensive area like Bethesda or Chevy Chase.

What is the average salary in Maryland by hour?
If Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year—at 37.5 hours a week—then the average hourly salary in Maryland is $49.05.

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