Engineering Maryland (MD) Rank #9 of 50

Chemical Engineer Salary in Maryland

The median chemical engineer salary in Maryland is $116,886 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $106,260.

Median Salary
$116,886
vs National
+$10,626
State Rank
#9 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

Chemical Engineer Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for chemical engineer compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for chemical engineers seeking high pay. At $116,886 per year, chemical engineers in Maryland earn $10,626 more than the national median of $106,260.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $116,886 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $106,260.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: chemical engineers at the 10th percentile earn $74,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $189,200 — a $114,400 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $129,637.

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for chemical engineers across the country.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $77,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $178,200 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$77,000
+$7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$118,800
+$10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$178,200
+$16,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $74,800
25th Percentile $92,400
Median (50th) $116,886
75th Percentile $151,800
90th Percentile $189,200

Chemical Engineer Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for chemical engineers in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Maryland

Education

Most chemical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Maryland has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook in Maryland

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Maryland's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Maryland

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Maryland? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Maryland is $116,886 per year, which is 10.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $74,800 (10th percentile) to $189,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,886, a chemical engineer in Maryland earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for chemical engineers? ▼
Maryland ranks #9 out of 50 states for chemical engineer pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level chemical engineers earn $77,000, while senior professionals earn $178,200.
How does Maryland compare to other states for chemical engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for chemical engineers is Hawaii at $180,642. Maryland's median of $116,886 ranks #9 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Washington ($122,199) and Connecticut ($119,011).
What is the entry-level chemical engineer salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level chemical engineer in Maryland earns approximately $77,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $118,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $178,200.
What city in Maryland pays chemical engineers the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for chemical engineers, with a median salary of $129,637. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.