Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Maryland
Aerospace Engineers in Maryland command an impressive average annual salary of $158,290, significantly surpassing the national average of $141,460. This elevated compensation is largely driven by Maryland's robust aerospace industry, a concentration of defense contractors, and the state's strategic importance in national security initiatives, all of which create high demand for specialized engineering talent.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $158,290 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $227,270.
- Outlook: Maryland boasts a substantial workforce of 3,490 Aerospace Engineers, indicating a significant presence in the field. With a Location Quotient of 2.86, the concentration of these professionals is more than double the national average, signaling strong demand and a thriving job market within the state. The presence of 1.271 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active recruitment and opportunities available for aerospace professionals in Maryland.
Salary Overview
The average Aerospace Engineers in Maryland earns+11.9%above the national average.
$76.1
$3,044
$13,191
Aerospace Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for skilled Aerospace Engineers in Maryland has seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the aerospace and defense sectors. This sustained demand, coupled with the state's specialized industry focus, likely translates to a steady increase in average salaries, reflecting the evolving complexity of aerospace projects and the need for cutting-edge expertise.
Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Maryland
Salary progression for Aerospace Engineers in Maryland typically follows a clear trajectory from entry-level to senior positions. Junior engineers might start in the lower percentiles, earning significantly less than the average, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, potentially exceeding $200,000 annually. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of career advancement and the increasing value placed on expertise and leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $97,510 | $46.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $118,718 | $57.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $158,220 | $76.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $197,863 | $95.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $227,270 | $109.3 |
Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$158,290
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$126,531
Adjusted for COL (125.1)
While the nominal average salary of $158,290 is substantial, Maryland's Cost of Living Index of 125.1 means that everyday expenses are approximately 25.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that while the take-home pay is robust, the purchasing power of that salary will be somewhat diminished compared to living in a more affordable state. Prospective engineers should factor in these higher living costs when evaluating the true financial benefit of relocating to Maryland.
Job Market Context
3,490
Total Jobs
1.271
Per 1K Jobs
2.86
Location Quotient
Maryland has 2.9x the national concentration of Aerospace Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Maryland's Location Quotient of 2.86 is a powerful indicator of a highly concentrated and specialized job market for Aerospace Engineers. This significantly higher-than-average concentration suggests that the state is a national hub for this profession, attracting and retaining a disproportionately large number of these skilled workers. While this indicates strong demand and a robust industry, it also implies a competitive environment where employers are actively seeking specialized talent, making it a prime location for career growth.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Aerospace Engineers Salary | $160,510↑ 1% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Aerospace Engineers Salary | $162,410↑ 3% | 19 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Aerospace Engineers Salary | $141,020↓ 11% | 59 mi |
Comparing salaries near Maryland
Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Maryland?
The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Maryland is $158,290. This typically ranges from $97,510 for entry-level positions to $227,270 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Maryland is 11.9% higher than the national median of $141,460.
Is Maryland a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?
Yes, Maryland is a highly lucrative state for Aerospace Engineers.Aerospace Engineers in Maryland earn an average of $158,290, significantly above the national average, and the state has a job concentration 2.86 times the national rate, indicating strong demand and competitive compensation.
Is Maryland a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Maryland is 125.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Maryland?
Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($160,510) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does Maryland's aerospace job market compare nationally?
Maryland's aerospace job market is significantly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 2.86, indicating a robust and specialized industry presence.
What is the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer in Maryland?
The average annual salary for an Aerospace Engineer in Maryland is $158,290, which is higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Maryland affect an Aerospace Engineer's salary?
Maryland's cost of living is 25.1% higher than the national average, meaning the $158,290 salary, while high, has less purchasing power than in more affordable regions.
What is the size of the Aerospace Engineer workforce in Maryland?
Maryland employs a substantial workforce of 3,490 Aerospace Engineers, reflecting the state's significant role in the aerospace industry.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,490 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 1.271 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maryland