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Survey Researchers Salary in Maryland: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Survey Researchers 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
$84,030
Median annual (2025)
-4.8%
Real Purchasing Power
$80,028
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 Survey Researchers earning $84,030 in Maryland has the equivalent purchasing power of $80,028 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) $44,730 $42,600 $-2,130
25th Percentile (P25) $62,520 $59,542 $-2,977
Median (P50) $84,030 $80,028 $-4,001
75th Percentile (P75) $113,040 $107,657 $-5,382
90th Percentile (P90) $135,520 $129,066 $-6,453
Key Insight

While $84,030 sounds high, Maryland's elevated cost of living erases 5% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $80,028. 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 Survey Researchers 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 $84,030 median salary translates to $80,029 in real terms — a 4.8% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Survey Researchers.

Above-Median Adjusted Pay

#13 / 31

Maryland sits at #13 of 31 states for Survey Researchers COL-adjusted salary — comfortably above the national midpoint.

Best States for Survey Researchers (After Cost of Living)

Where does Survey Researchers salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$108,725
RPP 93.4
$106,673
RPP 97.7
$102,505
RPP 94.2
$100,390
RPP 92.3
5. Iowa
$94,083
RPP 88.4
6. Wyoming
$91,795
RPP 91.9
$87,849
RPP 102.3
$87,849
RPP 108.8
$87,813
RPP 116.6
10. Utah
$83,693
RPP 94.5

Maryland ranks #13 out of 31 states for Survey Researchers after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Survey Researchers take-home pay in Maryland after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Survey Researchers in Maryland after cost of living?

A Survey Researchers in Maryland earns a median salary of $84,030 per year. After adjusting for Maryland's cost of living (RPP=105.0), the real purchasing power is $80,028 — 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 Survey Researchers in Maryland: $84,030 x (100 / 105.0) = $80,028. 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 Survey Researchers's nominal salary of $84,030 in Maryland has 4.8% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $80,028. However, Maryland may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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