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Average Geographers Salary in Maryland

Geographers in Maryland command an impressive average annual salary of $104,810, significantly surpassing the national average of $88,450. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Maryland's robust economy, high demand for specialized geospatial expertise, and the state's strategic importance in various federal and private sector industries that rely heavily on geographic analysis.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $104,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $133,680.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 260 Geographers, Maryland presents a concentrated yet specialized job market. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 10.46 indicates a demand for these professionals that is more than ten times the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing need for their skills within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$104,810

The average Geographers in Maryland earns+18.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$50.4

Weekly

$2,016

Monthly

$8,734

Geographers Salary Distribution in Maryland

Salary progression for Geographers in Maryland typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career trajectory and the increasing value of expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$66,170$31.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$78,608$37.8
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$109,120$52.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$131,013$63
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$133,680$64.3

Detailed Geographers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$104,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$83,781

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

While the nominal salary of $104,810 is attractive, the Cost of Living Index in Maryland stands at 125.1, meaning it is 25.1% more expensive than the national average. This suggests that while the gross income is high, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

260

Total Jobs

0.093

Per 1K Jobs

10.46

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Maryland has 10.5x the national concentration of Geographers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

Maryland's Location Quotient of 10.46 is a powerful indicator of a highly concentrated job market for Geographers. This suggests that the state is a significant hub for this profession, with a demand that far outstrips the national average, making it a potentially competitive but rewarding environment for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Geographers

CitySalaryDist.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Geographers Salary$114,480↑ 9%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Geographers Salary$91,980↓ 12%19 mi

Comparing salaries near Maryland

Hiring Geographerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Geographers make in Maryland?

The median annual salary for a Geographers in Maryland is $104,810. This typically ranges from $66,170 for entry-level positions to $133,680 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maryland is 18.5% higher than the national median of $88,450.

Is Maryland a lucrative place for Geographerss?

Yes, Maryland is a highly lucrative place for Geographers.Geographers in Maryland earn substantially more than the national average, and the state's high concentration of these roles indicates strong demand and competitive compensation.

Is Maryland a good place to live for Geographers?

The Cost of Living Index in Maryland is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland?

Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($114,480) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

What is the average salary for a Geographer in Maryland?

The average annual salary for a Geographer in Maryland is $104,810.

How does Maryland's salary for Geographers compare to the national average?

Geographers in Maryland earn approximately $16,360 more annually than the national average salary of $88,450.

Is the job market for Geographers strong in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland has a very strong job market for Geographers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 10.46, meaning the concentration of these jobs is over ten times the national average.

How does the cost of living in Maryland affect a Geographer's salary?

Maryland's Cost of Living Index is 125.1, which is higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary is high, the actual purchasing power of $104,810 is reduced due to the increased cost of goods and services.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 260 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 0.093 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Geographers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maryland