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Average Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary in Maryland

Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Maryland earn a commanding average annual salary of $118,890, significantly outpacing the national average of $94,720. This premium is largely driven by Maryland's robust federal presence, particularly NASA and NOAA, which fuels demand and necessitates competitive compensation for specialized scientific talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $118,890 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,500.
  • Outlook: With a concentrated local workforce of 710 Atmospheric and Space Scientists and a Location Quotient of 4.52, Maryland demonstrates a strong and specialized demand for these professionals. This high concentration suggests a mature and active job market, indicating a robust environment for those in the field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$118,890

The average Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Maryland earns+25.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$57.2

Weekly

$2,286

Monthly

$9,908

Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary Distribution in Maryland

Career progression for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Maryland typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and specialized expertise can command salaries well into the upper percentiles, reflecting the value of their accumulated knowledge and contributions.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$79,660$38.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$89,168$42.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$104,560$50.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$148,613$71.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$166,500$80

Detailed Atmospheric and Space Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$118,890

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$95,036

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

While Maryland's nominal average salary of $118,890 is attractive, the local Cost of Living Index stands at 125.1, meaning it is 25.1% more expensive than the national average. This suggests that while the take-home pay is substantial, the higher cost of living in Maryland will reduce the purchasing power of that salary compared to more affordable regions.

Job Market Context

710

Total Jobs

0.257

Per 1K Jobs

4.52

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Maryland has 4.5x the national concentration of Atmospheric and Space Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.52 for Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Maryland signifies a market that is more than four times more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive environment, where opportunities may be abundant but also sought after by a significant pool of local talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Atmospheric and Space Scientists

CitySalaryDist.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary$131,840↑ 11%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Atmospheric and Space Scientists Salary$105,270↓ 11%19 mi

Comparing salaries near Maryland

Hiring Atmospheric and Space Scientistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Atmospheric and Space Scientists make in Maryland?

The median annual salary for a Atmospheric and Space Scientists in Maryland is $118,890. This typically ranges from $79,660 for entry-level positions to $166,500 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maryland is 25.5% higher than the national median of $94,720.

Is Maryland a lucrative place for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?

Yes, Maryland is a highly lucrative state for Atmospheric and Space Scientists.The average salary significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of related federal agencies creates strong demand for these specialized roles.

Is Maryland a good place to live for Atmospheric and Space Scientists?

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 ($131,840) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

What is the average salary for an Atmospheric and Space Scientist in Maryland?

The average annual salary for an Atmospheric and Space Scientist in Maryland is $118,890.

How does Maryland's salary compare to the national average?

Maryland's average salary of $118,890 is considerably higher than the national average of $94,720.

Is the job market for Atmospheric and Space Scientists strong in Maryland?

Yes, the job market is considered strong, evidenced by a high Location Quotient of 4.52, indicating a significant concentration of these professionals and related job opportunities.

How does the cost of living in Maryland affect the salary?

Maryland's Cost of Living Index of 125.1 means expenses are higher than the national average, which partially offsets the higher nominal salary when considering purchasing power.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 710 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 0.257 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Atmospheric and Space Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maryland