Maryland Salaries 2025
Federal corridor with biotech and cybersecurity strength
Median Household Income (#5 in USA)
Maryland Salary Overview 2025
Maryland ranks fifth nationally in median household income at $87,100—a testament to its concentration of federal agencies, government contractors, and highly educated workforce. The state's proximity to Washington DC creates a unique economic ecosystem where government, biotech, cybersecurity, and healthcare drive exceptional wages.
The I-270 corridor from Bethesda to Frederick houses the National Institutes of Health (NIH), FDA, and dense biotech cluster. Fort Meade contains the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, anchoring the nation's largest cybersecurity employment concentration. Baltimore adds Johns Hopkins (nation's largest research university by R&D spending), major healthcare systems, and port operations.
Maryland's high incomes come with high costs (115 index) and moderate-to-high taxes. However, for careers in federal service, biotech, cybersecurity, or healthcare, Maryland offers unmatched opportunities. The state provides DC job access with somewhat lower costs than living in the District itself. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Maryland Salary Snapshot
| Metric | Maryland | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $87,100 | $74,580 |
| Mean Household Income | $117,000 | $97,300 |
| Per Capita Income | $45,900 | $37,638 |
| Minimum Wage (2025) | $15.00/hr | $7.25/hr (federal) |
| Cost of Living Index | 115 | 100 |
| Top Income Tax Rate | 5.75% | Varies |
Salaries by Maryland Region
Montgomery County (Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring)
Median Household Income: $110,000
Montgomery County is Maryland's economic powerhouse and one of America's wealthiest counties. NIH, FDA, and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center anchor federal employment. Biotech giants (AstraZeneca, Novartis, GSK operations) and hundreds of smaller biotech/pharma companies create the nation's densest life sciences cluster. Scientists $90,000-$180,000, research directors $150,000-$250,000+.
The county also serves DC commuters in law, consulting, and government affairs. Excellent schools drive family migration. Housing is expensive ($600,000+ median) but offers Metro access to DC.
Howard County (Columbia)
Median Household Income: $120,000
Howard County consistently ranks among America's wealthiest and best-educated counties. Cybersecurity firms, government contractors, and Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory provide high-paying employment. Strong schools attract families. Housing ($550,000 median) reflects affluence. Balanced location between DC and Baltimore.
Anne Arundel County (Annapolis, Fort Meade)
Median Household Income: $95,000
Fort Meade houses NSA and U.S. Cyber Command—the nation's largest concentration of cybersecurity talent. Cyber contractors (Booz Allen, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon) cluster nearby. Cybersecurity specialists $100,000-$180,000+ with clearances. Annapolis adds state government, Naval Academy, and sailing/maritime culture.
Baltimore Metro
Median Household Income: $52,000 (city) / $78,000 (county)
Baltimore offers different economics than DC suburbs. Johns Hopkins University and Hospital anchor world-class healthcare and research. Under Armour headquarters adds corporate presence. The city faces urban challenges but offers significantly lower housing ($220,000 median in city). Healthcare, education, and port operations drive employment. Research scientists $80,000-$150,000, healthcare competitive.
Frederick County
Median Household Income: $95,000
Frederick combines historic charm with biotech employment (Fort Detrick, biodefense research) and DC commuters. More affordable than Montgomery County ($450,000 median home) while offering I-270 corridor access. Growing tech presence.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montgomery County | $110,000 | $600,000 | Biotech, Federal, Healthcare |
| Howard County | $120,000 | $550,000 | Cyber, Contractors, APL |
| Anne Arundel (Ft. Meade) | $95,000 | $420,000 | NSA, Cyber, Government |
| Baltimore City | $52,000 | $220,000 | Healthcare, Education, Port |
| Baltimore County | $78,000 | $350,000 | Healthcare, Services |
| Frederick | $95,000 | $450,000 | Biodefense, Commuters |
Top Paying Industries in Maryland
Federal Government & Contractors
Maryland hosts massive federal presence: NIH, FDA, NSA, Social Security Administration, Census Bureau, and numerous defense agencies. GS positions with DC-Baltimore locality adjustment (+32.49%) pay well: GS-12 $88,000-$114,000, GS-14 $122,000-$159,000, GS-15 $143,000-$191,000. Contractors (Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Booz Allen) often pay 10-20% above government for similar roles.
Cybersecurity
Fort Meade's NSA/Cyber Command creates the nation's largest cyber employment cluster. Security-cleared cyber professionals are in extreme demand. Entry analysts $80,000-$100,000, experienced specialists $120,000-$180,000, directors $180,000-$280,000+. TS/SCI clearances command significant premiums. Maryland has more cyber jobs than any other state.
Biotechnology & Life Sciences
The I-270 corridor from Bethesda to Gaithersburg houses 900+ biotech companies. NIH proximity drives research collaboration. Scientists $85,000-$160,000, directors $150,000-$300,000+, executives higher. The sector includes pharma, medical devices, diagnostics, and emerging cell/gene therapy.
Healthcare
Johns Hopkins is the anchor, but University of Maryland Medical System, MedStar, and others add substantial employment. Physicians $280,000-$500,000+, nurses $70,000-$95,000, research faculty $90,000-$200,000+. Baltimore offers healthcare careers at lower cost of living than DC suburbs.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity (w/ clearance) | $85,000 | $140,000 | $200,000+ |
| Biotech Research | $75,000 | $120,000 | $180,000+ |
| Federal (GS w/ locality) | $55,000 | $100,000 | $160,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $280,000 | $380,000 | $500,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $85,000 | $125,000 | $170,000+ |
Maryland Tax Analysis
State Income Tax Brackets (2025)
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $1,000 | 2.0% |
| $1,001 – $2,000 | 3.0% |
| $2,001 – $3,000 | 4.0% |
| $3,001 – $100,000 | 4.75% |
| $100,001 – $125,000 | 5.0% |
| $125,001 – $150,000 | 5.25% |
| $150,001 – $250,000 | 5.5% |
| $250,001+ | 5.75% |
Note: Maryland counties add local income taxes (2.25-3.2%), making effective rates 7-9%.
Tax Comparison (DMV Region)
| At $150K Salary | MD Tax | VA Tax | DC Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | ~$7,800 | ~$8,000 | ~$11,200 |
| + Local Income Tax | ~$4,200 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | ~$12,000 | ~$8,000 | ~$11,200 |
Maryland's combined state and local income taxes are higher than Virginia, making Virginia the tax-advantaged choice for DMV workers. However, Maryland offers Metro access and different community options.
Property Tax: Maryland property taxes average 1.07%—moderate for the region.
Maryland Cost of Living Analysis
| Expense | Maryland | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Index | 135 | 100 |
| Median Home Price | $420,000 | $420,000 |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,750 | $1,400 |
| Groceries Index | 105 | 100 |
| Utilities Index | 110 | 100 |
| Transportation Index | 110 | 100 |
Housing by Region
| Area | Median Home | Rent (2BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Bethesda | $950,000 | $2,600 |
| Rockville | $600,000 | $2,100 |
| Silver Spring | $550,000 | $1,900 |
| Columbia | $520,000 | $1,850 |
| Annapolis | $480,000 | $1,800 |
| Baltimore City | $220,000 | $1,350 |
| Frederick | $450,000 | $1,650 |
Highest Paying Jobs in Maryland 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $300,000 | $500,000+ |
| Cybersecurity Directors | $195,000 | $280,000+ |
| Biotech Executives | $220,000 | $400,000+ |
| IT Directors | $170,000 | $230,000+ |
| Software Architects | $165,000 | $210,000+ |
| Research Directors (NIH) | $180,000 | $250,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $130,000 | $155,000+ |
| Federal SES | $185,000 | $226,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Maryland vs. Virginia for DC workers?
Virginia has lower taxes and more diverse geography (from urban Arlington to rural Shenandoah). Maryland has better Metro coverage in suburbs, stronger biotech/NIH cluster, and different community character. Both offer excellent schools in affluent areas. Virginia wins on pure finances; Maryland wins for certain career paths (biotech, NIH) and those preferring Maryland's communities.
Is a security clearance worth pursuing?
In Maryland, absolutely. Fort Meade's NSA and surrounding contractors create insatiable demand for cleared professionals. TS/SCI clearances can add $30,000-$50,000 to salaries. The process takes 6-18 months; past issues (drugs, debt, foreign ties) can disqualify. If you can get cleared, Maryland offers unmatched cyber career opportunities.
How is the biotech job market?
Excellent. The I-270 corridor is one of three premier U.S. biotech clusters (with Boston and San Francisco Bay Area). NIH proximity is unique advantage for research-stage companies. Scientists with PhD credentials and industry experience are in high demand. Salaries don't quite match Bay Area but costs are lower.
Is Baltimore worth considering?
For the right person, yes. Johns Hopkins offers world-class healthcare and research careers. Housing costs are dramatically lower than DC suburbs. The city has challenges (crime in certain areas, urban decay) but also charm, waterfront, and improving neighborhoods. Young professionals and healthcare workers increasingly discover Baltimore's value.
How bad is the commute?
I-270, I-95, and Beltway traffic can be brutal—90+ minute commutes are common. Metro helps for DC-bound commuters from Silver Spring/Bethesda but doesn't serve all areas. Many employers offer telework, which has transformed Maryland work patterns. Consider commute carefully when choosing neighborhoods.