GovernmentUpdated Q1 2026

Policy Analyst Salary
in Baltimore, MD

Research, analyze, and evaluate public policies to advise government decision-makers. Median salary in Baltimore: $90K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$90K
per year
Take-home: $58K

Salary range in Baltimore

Entry level (25th)$67,000
Median (50th)$90,000
Senior (75th)$117,000
Top earner (90th)$152,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Baltimore, Maryland. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Baltimore

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

15% premium vs national median

Policy Analysts in Baltimore earn approximately 15% higher than the US national median for this role — a $12,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Baltimore's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 33% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Baltimore ($1,600/mo) consumes approximately 33% of an after-tax median Policy Analyst salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($117K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Baltimore

Median salary
$90K
annual
Take-home pay
$58K
after fed/state tax
COL index
115
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,600
per month
YoY growth
+3.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Baltimore Policy Analyst to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $90K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Baltimore

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Policy Analyst salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$75K$82K$89K$95K$102K201920212023202520272029
2026
$92K
projected
2027
$95K
projected
2028
$97K
projected
2029
$99K
projected
2030
$102K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$90,000+$0
2028 projected$90,000+$0
2029 projected$90,000+$0
2030 projected$90,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Policy Analyst Salary in Baltimore, Maryland: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Policy Analyst salary in Baltimore, MD is $90,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Baltimore–MD metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Policy Analyst in Baltimore

Entry-level Policy Analysts in Baltimore with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $67,000 and $90,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $90,000 to $117,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $117,000 to $152,000 or more.

Cost of living in Baltimore for Policy Analysts

Baltimore has a cost of living index of 115 compared to the US national average of 100. Baltimore's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Maryland has a 5.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Policy Analyst

Bachelor's or Master's in Public Policy or Political Science. 40% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Policy Analyst salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Baltimore (current)$90K115
Frederick$90K115
Rockville$115K148
Bethesda$129K165