Chemical Engineer Salary in Maryland
Based on 500+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$127,190
$61.15/hr
vs National Average
$115,633
+10.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$69K – $185K
500 employed in Maryland
Chemical Engineer salary in Maryland averages $127,190 per year, placing the state well above the national average at 10% higher. With approximately 500 chemical engineers employed throughout Maryland, the field offers competitive compensation reflecting the state's strong industrial and pharmaceutical sectors. Salaries in this role typically range from $68,670 to $185,220 annually, demonstrating significant earning potential.
Several factors influence Chemical Engineer salary in Maryland, including experience level, employer size, and industry specialization. Engineers working in pharmaceutical manufacturing or petrochemical facilities often earn toward the higher end of the range, while those in smaller operations may see lower compensation. Geographic proximity to major employers in the Baltimore and Washington regions also affects earning potential, as does advanced education and professional certifications that demonstrate specialized expertise.
Salary Distribution — Chemical Engineer in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $68,670 |
| 25th percentile | $96,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $127,190 |
| 75th percentile | $156,750 |
| 90th percentile | $185,220 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chemical Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chemical Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chemical Engineers in Maryland tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $137,180 | 1K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $135,720 | 1K |
| Construction | $131,190 | 400 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $130,810 | 650 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $125,990 | 90 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chemical Engineer in Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $133,480 |
| 2023 | $122,450 |
| 2024 | $129,710 |
| 2025 | $127,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $127,190 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $133,480 | $104,335 |
| 2023 | $122,450 | $110,377 |
| 2024 | $129,710 | $114,171 |
| 2025 | $127,190 | $115,633 |
| 2026 (projected) | $127,190 | $115,633 |
Chemical Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $127,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $156,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $185,220 |
Chemical Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Chemical Engineer Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Chemical Engineer ($127,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chemical Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in MD | $172,670 | +35.8% | $83.01/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in MD | $157,960 | +24.2% | $75.94/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in MD | $156,750 | +23.2% | $75.36/hr |
| Materials Engineer in MD | $140,640 | +10.6% | $67.62/hr |
| Marine Engineer in MD | $130,150 | +2.3% | $62.57/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in MD | $125,150 | -1.6% | $60.17/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in MD | $122,870 | -3.4% | $59.07/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in MD | $119,930 | -5.7% | $57.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in MD | $105,090 | -17.4% | $50.52/hr |
| Civil Engineer in MD | $100,680 | -20.8% | $48.40/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in MD | $97,570 | -23.3% | $46.91/hr |
| Actuary in MD | $126,950 | -0.2% | $61.03/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do chemical engineers make in Maryland?
- Chemical engineers in Maryland earn a median salary of $127,190 per year, or approximately $61 per hour. This is 10.0% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for chemical engineers in Maryland?
- Chemical engineers in Maryland can expect salaries ranging from $68,670 at the lower end to $185,220 at the upper end, depending on experience and other factors.
Is being a chemical engineer in Maryland better paid than the national average?
- Yes, chemical engineers in Maryland earn 10.0% more than the national average, with a median salary of $127,190 compared to lower national figures.
How many chemical engineers are employed in Maryland?
- There are approximately 500 chemical engineers currently employed in Maryland according to the latest data.