SalaryNode

Average Physical Scientists, All Other Salary in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

In the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD metropolitan area, Physical Scientists, All Other earn an average annual salary of $120,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $138,050, suggesting that while the demand for these specialized roles exists, local market dynamics or industry composition may influence compensation levels compared to the broader United States.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $120,370 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
  • Outlook: The Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area supports a dedicated workforce of 540 Physical Scientists, All Other. With a Location Quotient of 2.76, this region exhibits a significantly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, indicating a robust and specialized local job market that attracts and retains talent in this field.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$120,370

The average Physical Scientists, All Other in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD earns-12.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$57.9

Weekly

$2,315

Monthly

$10,031

Physical Scientists, All Other Salary Distribution in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Salary progression for Physical Scientists, All Other typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career growth and increased earning potential within this specialized field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$64,310$30.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$90,278$43.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$107,210$51.5
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$150,463$72.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$191,880$92.3

Detailed Physical Scientists, All Other Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$120,370

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$120,370

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $120,370 in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Scientist's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

540

Total Jobs

0.404

Per 1K Jobs

2.76

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD has 2.8x the national concentration of Physical Scientists, All Other jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 2.76 for Physical Scientists, All Other in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson signifies a market that is more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This indicates a strong, specialized demand for these roles, suggesting a competitive environment where employers actively seek out talent with specific scientific expertise.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Physical Scientists, All Other

Comparing salaries near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD

Hiring Physical Scientists, All Others?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Scientists, All Other make in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?

The median annual salary for a Physical Scientists, All Other in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is $120,370. This typically ranges from $64,310 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 Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 12.8% lower than the national median of $138,050.

Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a lucrative place for Physical Scientists, All Others?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $120,370 is below the national average, the high concentration of these roles (LQ 2.76) indicates strong local demand and specialized opportunities.

Is Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD a good place to live for Physical Scientists, All Others?

The Cost of Living Index in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD?

Some top paying nearby cities include Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($156,430) and others.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Physical Scientists, All Other in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is $120,370, which is lower than the national average of $138,050.

What is the concentration of Physical Scientists in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson?

The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.76, significantly higher than the national average of 1.0, indicating a strong presence of these professionals.

How does the cost of living affect the salary?

The cost of living in Baltimore-Columbia-Towson is at the national average (100), meaning the $120,370 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does the total workforce size suggest about job availability?

With 540 Physical Scientists, All Other in the local workforce, it suggests a substantial, established presence of these roles within the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 540 employees in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area with a job density of 0.404 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.