Physicist Salary in Maryland
Based on 1K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$174,390
$83.84/hr
vs National Average
$153,763
+13.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$106K – $219K
1K employed in Maryland
Physicists in Maryland earn a median salary of $174,390 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 13 percent. With approximately 1,200 physicists employed throughout the state, Maryland's compensation reflects strong demand for skilled scientists in research institutions, government laboratories, and private sector technology firms.
Physicist salary in Maryland varies considerably based on experience, specialization, and employer type. Salaries range from $105,560 to $219,450 annually, with factors like advanced degrees, years in the field, and proximity to major research hubs influencing earning potential. Government positions and roles in cutting-edge research facilities typically command higher compensation than academic or small company positions.
Salary Distribution — Physicist in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $105,560 |
| 25th percentile | $132,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $174,390 |
| 75th percentile | $195,190 |
| 90th percentile | $219,450 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physicist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physicists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physicists in Maryland tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $239,360 | 3K |
| Wholesale Trade | $219,010 | — |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $213,780 | 50 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $210,530 | — |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $176,170 | 10K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physicist in Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $138,860 |
| 2023 | $138,130 |
| 2024 | $163,950 |
| 2025 | $174,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $184,853 |
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 | $138,860 | $140,924 |
| 2023 | $138,130 | $142,089 |
| 2024 | $163,950 | $149,537 |
| 2025 | $174,390 | $153,763 |
| 2026 (projected) | $184,853 | $162,989 |
Physicist Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $132,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $174,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $195,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $219,450 |
Physicist Salary in Other States
Related Physicist Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Physicist ($174,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physicist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemist in MD | $140,670 | -19.3% | $67.63/hr |
| Geoscientist in MD | $110,510 | -36.6% | $53.13/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MD | $106,000 | -39.2% | $50.96/hr |
| Biochemist and Biophysicist in MD | $100,650 | -42.3% | $48.39/hr |
| Urban and Regional Planner in MD | $88,570 | -49.2% | $42.58/hr |
| Environmental Scientist in MD | $84,190 | -51.7% | $40.48/hr |
| Engineering Manager in MD | $172,670 | -1.0% | $83.01/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in MD | $171,490 | -1.7% | $82.45/hr |
| Dentist in MD | $168,500 | -3.4% | $81.01/hr |
| Pediatrician in MD | $181,640 | +4.2% | $87.33/hr |
| Optometrist in MD | $165,840 | -4.9% | $79.73/hr |
| Veterinarian in MD | $163,170 | -6.4% | $78.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physicists make in Maryland?
- Physicists in Maryland earn a median salary of $174,390 per year, or $84 per hour. This is 13.4% higher than the national average for physicists, making Maryland one of the more competitive markets for this profession.
What is the salary range for physicists in Maryland?
- Physicist salaries in Maryland range from $105,560 at the low end to $219,450 at the high end. This wide range reflects differences in experience level, specialization, and employer type across the state's physics workforce.
How many physicists work in Maryland?
- There are approximately 1,200 physicists currently employed in Maryland. This represents a substantial physics workforce concentrated primarily in research institutions, government laboratories, and technology companies throughout the state.
Is Maryland a good state for physicist salaries?
- Yes, Maryland offers competitive physicist salaries with a median of $174,390, which is 13.4% above the national average. If you're considering relocation, Maryland's above-average compensation combined with its employment base of 1,200 physicists makes it an attractive option for career growth.