Geographers Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
The median pay for a geographers in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $88,280/year ($42.44/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $66K at the entry level to $129K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 104.49), that's roughly $84,487 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,857/month — about 33.5% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $88K get you in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson?
About geographers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD
Entry-level geographers (10th percentile) start around $66K. Mid-career wages sit at $88K.Top earners bring in $129K or more - a $63K spread from bottom to top.
Geographers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $110K | +14% | 30 |
| Maryland | $109K | +12% | 260 |
| Missouri | $95K | -2% | 40 |
| Illinois | $91K | -6% | 50 |
| Arizona | $87K | -10% | 40 |
| Pennsylvania | $85K | -12% | 40 |
| Texas | $76K | -22% | 170 |
Track geographers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Baltimore-Columbia-Towson numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do geographers make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?
The median is $88,280 a year - that works out to about $42.44 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $66,170, and experienced geographers can clear $128,940. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $88K enough to live in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,539/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,857/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 33.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a geographers salary go in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson?
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson has a Regional Price Parity of 104.49 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median geographers salary is worth about $84,487 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do geographers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.