Top Paying Jobs in Maryland
Maryland has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 340,270 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Radiologists ($581,510), Emergency Medicine Physicians ($451,620), Dermatologists ($442,210). The cost of living index is 98.76 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,795/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$173K
Avg. median salary
98.76
Cost of living index
$1,795
Median 2BR rent
6,177,220
Population
Highest paying careers in Maryland
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Physicists | Science | $174K | $83.84/hr |
| 22 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Management | $173K | $83.02/hr |
| 23 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | Legal | $172K | $82.78/hr |
| 24 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $171K | $82.45/hr |
| 25 | Natural Sciences Managers | Management | $169K | $81.07/hr |
| 26 | Dentists, General | Healthcare | $169K | $81.01/hr |
| 27 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $166K | $79.73/hr |
| 28 | Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | Healthcare | $165K | $79.17/hr |
| 29 | Veterinarians | Healthcare | $163K | $78.45/hr |
| 30 | Purchasing Managers | Management | $161K | $77.63/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Maryland
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-1.2% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,795/mo
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Metro areas in Maryland
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Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Maryland?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data