Agriculture & Environment Silver Spring, MD Pop. 81,015

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Silver Spring, Maryland

The median agricultural scientist salary in Silver Spring, MD is $90,475 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 10.9% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$90,475
vs State Avg
+$8,899
vs National
+$16,315
Cost of Living
122%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Silver Spring: What to Expect (2026)

Silver Spring offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $90,475, which is $8,899 above the Maryland state average of $81,576. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Silver Spring pays above average for this role.

However, Silver Spring's cost of living index is 122%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $90,475 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Silver Spring should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Silver Spring spans from $53,680 at the 10th percentile to $148,840 at the 90th percentile — a $95,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,560, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $140,300. Silver Spring is a smaller market (pop. 81,015), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Silver Spring by Experience

In Silver Spring, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $58,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $140,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,560
+$10,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$92,720
+$16,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$140,300
+$25,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Silver Spring, MD

Percentile Silver Spring
10th Percentile $53,680
25th Percentile $68,320
Median (50th) $90,475
75th Percentile $119,560
90th Percentile $148,840

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Columbia, MD
$87,509
Pop. 104,681
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 Silver Spring

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Silver Spring, MD:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Silver Spring

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Silver Spring, Maryland is $90,475 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $53,680 (10th percentile) to $148,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Silver Spring? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,475, a agricultural scientist in Silver Spring earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Silver Spring compare to the Maryland state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Silver Spring's median agricultural scientist salary of $90,475 is 10.9% above the Maryland state average of $81,576. The local cost of living index is 122% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Silver Spring, MD? ▼
Silver Spring has a cost of living index of 122% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $90,475 in Silver Spring has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Silver Spring? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Silver Spring 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.