Baltimore vs Bethesda: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Baltimore, MD and Bethesda, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Bethesda, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,816▲ | $54,319 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.18▲ | $26.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,368▲ | $31,505 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,739▲ | $39,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,762▲ | $69,528 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,956▲ | $84,195 |
| Total Employed | 1,090▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Baltimore, MD offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bethesda.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Bethesda is $35,497 (65.35%). Baltimore's median is +11.72% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $100,588,Bethesda spans $52,690. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Baltimore ($85,959 effective) pays 72.97% more than Bethesda ($49,697 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,816/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,956)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,959)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Bethesda if…
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Baltimore grew -18.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -61.5% growth in Bethesda over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$104,780 (2021) → $85,965 (2025)
Bethesda, MD
$135,131 (2024) → $51,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Bethesda, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Baltimore or Bethesda?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov