State comparison · 2025
Atmospheric and Space Scientists salary: Maryland vs South Dakota
Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Maryland earn a median of $128,800. In South Dakota, $78,900. After cost-of-living, the gap is 37.7% — not 63.2%.
Nominal pay gap
+63.2%
Maryland vs South Dakota
COL-adjusted gap
+37.7%
After BEA Regional Price Parities
Maryland
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Median
- $128,800
- p25
- $101,940
- p75
- $156,750
- p10
- $83,230
- p90
- $168,460
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 105.0
- Hiring velocity (180d)
- +71%
South Dakota
Atmospheric and Space Scientists
- Median
- $78,900
- p25
- $68,220
- p75
- $104,380
- p10
- $63,350
- p90
- $129,960
- COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
- 88.6
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.