Engineering Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median aerospace engineer salary in Columbia, MD is $149,718 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$149,718
vs State Avg
+$10,150
vs National
+$22,838
Cost of Living
118%

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $149,718, which is $10,150 above the Maryland state average of $139,568. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $149,718 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $126,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Columbia spans from $92,040 at the 10th percentile to $226,560 at the 90th percentile — a $134,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $94,400, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $218,300. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $94,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$94,400
+$14,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$151,040
+$23,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,300
+$33,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $92,040
25th Percentile $118,000
Median (50th) $149,718
75th Percentile $188,800
90th Percentile $226,560

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$154,794
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$145,912
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$137,030
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$133,224
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Columbia

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding Maryland area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Columbia, Maryland is $149,718 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $92,040 (10th percentile) to $226,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $149,718, a aerospace engineer in Columbia earns approximately $72 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Columbia's median aerospace engineer salary of $149,718 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $139,568. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $149,718 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Columbia? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Aerodynamics, CATIA/CAD, Structural Analysis, MATLAB. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.