Elementary School Teacher Salary in Maryland: Cost of Living Adjusted (2024)

What does a Elementary School Teacher salary really buy you in Maryland?

Maryland is 5.0% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2024 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-03-31

Nominal Salary

$74,720

Median annual (2024)

→ -4.8%

Real Purchasing Power

$71,161

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 Elementary School Teacher earning $74,720 in Maryland has the equivalent purchasing power of $71,161 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)	$47,580	$45,314	$-2,265
25th Percentile (P25)	$59,950	$57,095	$-2,854
Median (P50)	$74,720	$71,161	$-3,558
75th Percentile (P75)	$95,730	$91,171	$-4,558
90th Percentile (P90)	$101,040	$96,228	$-4,811

Key Insight

While $74,720 sounds high, Maryland's elevated cost of living erases 5% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $71,161. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

Best States for Elementary School Teacher (After Cost of Living)

Where does Elementary School Teacher salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. Washington

$90,264

RPP 109.8

2. California

$87,280

RPP 112.5

3. Rhode Island

$82,999

RPP 104.7

4. Pennsylvania

$77,089

RPP 96.2

5. New York

$76,654

RPP 107.6

6. Massachusetts

$76,106

RPP 109.4

7. Alaska

$74,794

RPP 102.0

8. Connecticut

$74,003

RPP 106.4

9. New Mexico

$71,989

RPP 91.0

10. Ohio

$71,453

RPP 91.5

Maryland ranks #11 out of 50 states for Elementary School Teacher after cost-of-living adjustment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Maryland after cost of living?

A Elementary School Teacher in Maryland earns a median salary of $74,720 per year. After adjusting for Maryland's cost of living (RPP=105.0), the real purchasing power is $71,161 — 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 Elementary School Teacher in Maryland: $74,720 x (100 / 105.0) = $71,161. 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 Elementary School Teacher's nominal salary of $74,720 in Maryland has 4.8% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $71,161. However, Maryland may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.