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Average Physicists Salary in Maryland

Physicists in Maryland earn an average annual salary of $159,890, which is below the national average of $177,260. This differential is often influenced by the state's specific economic drivers, research institutions, and the demand for specialized scientific talent within its borders.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $159,890 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $211,240.
  • Outlook: Maryland boasts a robust job market for physicists, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 1,420 individuals. The Location Quotient of 3.72 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a strong concentration of physicists and suggesting a healthy demand for their expertise within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$159,890

The average Physicists in Maryland earns-9.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$76.9

Weekly

$3,075

Monthly

$13,324

Physicists Salary Distribution in Maryland

The salary landscape for physicists in Maryland shows a clear progression with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while senior physicists with extensive expertise and specialized skills command salaries in the higher percentiles. This widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies ample opportunity for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$101,040$48.6
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$119,918$57.7
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$163,950$78.8
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$199,863$96.1
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$211,240$101.6

Detailed Physicists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$159,890

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$127,810

Adjusted for COL (125.1)

While the nominal salary of $159,890 appears substantial, Maryland's Cost of Living Index of 125.1 means that everyday expenses are approximately 25.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of a physicist's salary in Maryland is somewhat diminished compared to states with a lower cost of living.

Job Market Context

1,420

Total Jobs

0.515

Per 1K Jobs

3.72

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Maryland has 3.7x the national concentration of Physicists 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 3.72 for physicists is exceptionally high, indicating that the state has a significantly greater concentration of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, with numerous opportunities likely concentrated within research institutions, government agencies, and technology firms.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Physicists

CitySalaryDist.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Physicists Salary$165,950↑ 4%17 mi
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Physicists Salary$155,570↓ 3%19 mi
Lexington Park, MD Physicists Salary$130,620↓ 18%59 mi

Comparing salaries near Maryland

Hiring Physicistss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physicists make in Maryland?

The median annual salary for a Physicists in Maryland is $159,890. This typically ranges from $101,040 for entry-level positions to $211,240 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Maryland is 9.8% lower than the national median of $177,260.

Is Maryland a lucrative place for Physicists?

Yes, but with considerations.Maryland offers a high concentration of physicist jobs and a strong local workforce, but the average salary is below the national figure, and the cost of living is notably higher.

Is Maryland a good place to live for Physicists?

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 ($165,950) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.

What is the average salary for a Physicist in Maryland?

The average annual salary for a Physicist in Maryland is $159,890.

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

Physicists in Maryland earn approximately $17,370 less per year on average compared to the national average salary of $177,260.

Is the job market for physicists strong in Maryland?

Yes, Maryland has a strong job market for physicists, indicated by a Location Quotient of 3.72, meaning the concentration of physicists is over 3.7 times the national average.

How does the cost of living in Maryland affect a physicist's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 125.1, Maryland is more expensive than the national average, meaning the $159,890 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost-of-living state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,420 employees in the Maryland area with a job density of 0.515 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Physicists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Maryland