Average Materials Engineers Salary in Maryland
Materials Engineers in Maryland command an impressive average annual salary of $130,650, substantially outpacing the national average of $115,480. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust industrial and technological sectors, which demand specialized expertise in material science and engineering. The concentration of advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and research facilities within Maryland creates a competitive environment for talent, pushing salaries higher to attract and retain skilled professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $130,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: Maryland presents a strong and concentrated job market for Materials Engineers, evidenced by a total local workforce of 960 professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.36 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles in Maryland compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a specialized ecosystem for this profession within the state. This high concentration points to a stable and potentially growing job market for individuals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Materials Engineers in Maryland earns+13.1%above the national average.
$62.8
$2,513
$10,888
Materials Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the Materials Engineer salary in Maryland has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in specialized engineering fields. Factors such as increasing demand for advanced materials in various industries, technological advancements, and inflation likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these skilled professionals.
Materials Engineers Salary Distribution in Maryland
The career path for Materials Engineers in Maryland offers significant earning potential, with salaries scaling considerably from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the substantial difference between starting salaries and the $130,650 average suggests that experienced engineers with specialized skills and a proven track record can command much higher compensation packages. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of career progression and the 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) | $76,900 | $37 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $97,988 | $47.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $130,920 | $62.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $163,313 | $78.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Materials Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$130,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$104,436
Adjusted for COL (125.1)
While the nominal average salary of $130,650 for Materials Engineers in Maryland is attractive, it's crucial to consider the local Cost of Living Index of 125.1. This index indicates that living expenses in Maryland are approximately 25.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the gross salary is significantly higher than the national average, the increased cost of housing, goods, and services will impact the actual purchasing power and disposable income of an engineer relocating to the state.
Job Market Context
960
Total Jobs
0.349
Per 1K Jobs
2.36
Location Quotient
Maryland has 2.4x the national concentration of Materials Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Maryland's Materials Engineer job market is notably concentrated, boasting a Location Quotient of 2.36. This figure signifies that the state employs more than double the number of Materials Engineers relative to the national average for its overall workforce size. Such a high concentration suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers actively seek out this specific talent pool, and professionals may find a greater number of relevant opportunities compared to less concentrated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Materials Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Materials Engineers Salary | $136,510↑ 4% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Materials Engineers Salary | $122,860↓ 6% | 19 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Materials Engineers Salary | $141,020↑ 8% | 59 mi |
| York-Hanover, PA Materials Engineers Salary | $87,190↓ 33% | 62 mi |
Comparing salaries near Maryland
Hiring Materials Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Materials Engineers make in Maryland?
The median annual salary for a Materials Engineers in Maryland is $130,650. This typically ranges from $76,900 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Maryland is 13.1% higher than the national median of $115,480.
Is Maryland a lucrative place for Materials Engineers?
Yes, Maryland is a lucrative state for Materials Engineers.Materials Engineers in Maryland earn an average of $130,650, significantly above the national average, and the state has a high concentration of these roles, indicating strong demand.
Is Maryland a good place to live for Materials 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 ($136,510) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does Maryland's Materials Engineer salary compare to the national average?
Materials Engineers in Maryland earn an average of $130,650 annually, which is $15,170 more than the national average of $115,480.
What is the concentration of Materials Engineers in Maryland?
Maryland has a high concentration of Materials Engineers, with a Location Quotient of 2.36, meaning the profession is more than twice as common there compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Materials Engineer salary in Maryland?
With a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, Maryland is more expensive than the national average. While the salary is high, the increased cost of living should be factored into the overall financial picture.
What does the job market look like for Materials Engineers in Maryland?
The job market appears robust, with a significant concentration of Materials Engineers and a dedicated local workforce of 960 professionals, suggesting strong industry presence and demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 960 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 0.349 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Materials Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maryland