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Computer Network Architects Salary in Maryland: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Computer Network Architects salary really buy you in Maryland?

Maryland is 5.0% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$159,460
Median annual (2025)
-4.8%
Real Purchasing Power
$151,866
COL-adjusted (RPP=105.0)

Maryland Cost of Living Index

Maryland's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 105.0, meaning prices are 5.0% higher the national average. A Computer Network Architects earning $159,460 in Maryland has the equivalent purchasing power of $151,866 in an average-cost US state.

MD: 105.0
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Maryland's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $98,900 $94,190 $-4,709
25th Percentile (P25) $124,700 $118,761 $-5,938
Median (P50) $159,460 $151,866 $-7,593
75th Percentile (P75) $176,240 $167,847 $-8,392
90th Percentile (P90) $213,140 $202,990 $-10,149
Key Insight

While $159,460 sounds high, Maryland's elevated cost of living erases 5% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $151,866. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Maryland Is a High-Cost State

RPP 105.0

Maryland's RPP of 105.0 puts it 5.0% above the national baseline cost of living. A Computer Network Architects needs that premium in nominal pay just to maintain the same purchasing power as an average-cost state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

-4.8%

After applying Maryland's RPP, the $159,460 median salary translates to $151,867 in real terms — a 4.8% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Computer Network Architects.

Top-Quartile Adjusted Earnings in Maryland

#3 / 51

Ranked on COL-adjusted median pay for Computer Network Architects, Maryland places #3 of 51 states — top quartile. Either nominal wages run high, cost of living runs low, or both.

Best States for Computer Network Architects (After Cost of Living)

Where does Computer Network Architects salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$174,306
RPP 88.0
$153,069
RPP 109.8
$151,866
RPP 105.0
$151,418
RPP 98.0
$149,218
RPP 108.8
6. Alabama
$148,986
RPP 87.8
$144,220
RPP 93.6
8. Ohio
$143,245
RPP 91.5
9. Nevada
$143,215
RPP 96.4
10. Wisconsin
$142,708
RPP 92.3

Maryland ranks #3 out of 51 states for Computer Network Architects after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Computer Network Architects take-home pay in Maryland after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Computer Network Architects in Maryland after cost of living?

A Computer Network Architects in Maryland earns a median salary of $159,460 per year. After adjusting for Maryland's cost of living (RPP=105.0), the real purchasing power is $151,866 — a -4.8% difference.

Is Maryland expensive to live in?

Maryland's cost of living is 5.0% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Maryland is 105.0 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Computer Network Architects in Maryland: $159,460 x (100 / 105.0) = $151,866. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in Maryland offset the salary?

Partially — a Computer Network Architects's nominal salary of $159,460 in Maryland has 4.8% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $151,866. However, Maryland may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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