Science & Research Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Physicist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median physicist salary in Columbia, MD is $179,867 per year, which is 18.0% above the national median and 7.3% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$179,867
vs State Avg
+$12,194
vs National
+$27,437
Cost of Living
118%

Physicist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level physicist earns around $96,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $259,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$96,760
+$14,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$182,900
+$27,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$259,600
+$39,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $92,040
25th Percentile $127,440
Median (50th) $179,867
75th Percentile $230,100
90th Percentile $280,840

Physicist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$185,965
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$175,295
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$164,624
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$160,052
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Physicist in Columbia

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.