Agriculture & Environment Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median agricultural scientist salary in Columbia, MD is $87,509 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$87,509
vs State Avg
+$5,933
vs National
+$13,349
Cost of Living
118%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $87,509, which is $5,933 above the Maryland state average of $81,576. Compared to the national median of $74,160, 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 $87,509 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Columbia spans from $51,920 at the 10th percentile to $143,960 at the 90th percentile — a $92,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $56,640, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $135,700. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $56,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$56,640
+$8,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$89,680
+$13,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$135,700
+$20,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $51,920
25th Percentile $66,080
Median (50th) $87,509
75th Percentile $115,640
90th Percentile $143,960

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$90,475
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$85,284
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$80,093
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$77,868
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist 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 Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Columbia, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $87,509 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $51,920 (10th percentile) to $143,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,509, a agricultural scientist in Columbia earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Columbia's median agricultural scientist salary of $87,509 is 7.3% above the Maryland state average of $81,576. 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 agricultural scientist salary of $87,509 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Columbia? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.