Baltimore vs Frederick: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Baltimore, MD and Frederick, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Frederick, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,623 | $178,760▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.65 | $85.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,644 | $103,680▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $106,710 | $128,707▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $182,304 | $228,812▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $276,544 | $277,077▲ |
| Total Employed | 7,520▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Frederick, MD offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Frederick is $40,137 (28.95%). Frederick's median is +6.93% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $186,900,Frederick spans $173,397. 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, Frederick ($163,550 effective) pays 23.28% more than Baltimore ($132,670 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (7,520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Frederick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($178,760/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($277,077)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $163,550)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Baltimore grew 17.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.1% growth in Frederick over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$113,150 (2019) → $132,400 (2025)
Frederick, MD
$168,950 (2024) → $170,735 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Frederick, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Baltimore or Frederick?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov