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Lawyer Salary in Baltimore, MD β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Baltimore's cost of living (index: 107). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Lawyer Salary in Baltimore β€” Key Numbers

$155,963
Median Salary
$101,907
25th Percentile
$242,077
75th Percentile
$374,500
90th Percentile
National median (Lawyer)$145,760
vs. National median+7.0%
Baltimore median household income$71,000
vs. City household income+119.7%

Cost of Living in Baltimore

Cost of Living Index
107(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,300/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio10.0%
Annual rent cost$15,600
Median Home Price$320,000
Home Price / Salary2.1Γ—
20% Down Payment$64,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.1 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Baltimore

4.4%
Unemployment Rate
2,890,000
Metro Population
32 min
Avg Commute
37.5
Median Age

Baltimore has a metro population of 2,890,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.4% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyer make in Baltimore, MD?

The estimated median salary for a Lawyer in Baltimore is $155,963 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $145,760 adjusted by Baltimore's cost of living index (107). The typical salary range runs from $101,907 (25th percentile) to $242,077 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $374,500.

Is Baltimore affordable for a Lawyer?

On a $155,963 annual salary, a Lawyer in Baltimore would spend approximately 10.0% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,300/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Baltimore relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $320,000 is 2.1Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Lawyer's salary compare to Baltimore's overall income?

Baltimore's median household income is $71,000. A Lawyer earning the city-adjusted median of $155,963 earns 119.7% more than the typical Baltimore household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.