Science & Research Baltimore, MD Pop. 585,708

Physicist Salary in Baltimore, Maryland

The median physicist salary in Baltimore, MD is $164,624 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 1.8% below the Maryland state average.

City Median
$164,624
vs State Avg
$-3,049
vs National
+$12,194
Cost of Living
108%

Physicist Pay in Baltimore: What to Expect (2026)

Baltimore offers a median physicist salary of $164,624, which is $3,049 below the Maryland state average of $167,673. Compared to the national median of $152,430, Baltimore pays above average for this role.

Baltimore's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physicists in Baltimore spans from $84,240 at the 10th percentile to $257,040 at the 90th percentile — a $172,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,560, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $237,600. As a major metro area with a population of 585,708, Baltimore typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Physicist Salary in Baltimore by Experience

In Baltimore, an entry-level physicist earns around $88,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $237,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,560
+$6,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$167,400
+$12,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$237,600
+$17,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Baltimore, MD

Percentile Baltimore
10th Percentile $84,240
25th Percentile $116,640
Median (50th) $164,624
75th Percentile $210,600
90th Percentile $257,040

Physicist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

How to Become a Physicist in Baltimore

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Baltimore and the surrounding Maryland area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Baltimore may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physicist Jobs in Baltimore

Browse open physicist positions in Baltimore, MD:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Baltimore

How much does a Physicist make in Baltimore, MD? ▼
The median physicist salary in Baltimore, Maryland is $164,624 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $84,240 (10th percentile) to $257,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Baltimore? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $164,624, a physicist in Baltimore earns approximately $79 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Baltimore compare to the Maryland state average for physicist pay? ▼
Baltimore's median physicist salary of $164,624 is 1.8% below the Maryland state average of $167,673. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Baltimore, MD? ▼
Baltimore has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a physicist salary of $164,624 in Baltimore has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Baltimore? ▼
Most physicist positions in Baltimore require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.