Baltimore vs Gaithersburg: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Baltimore, MD and Gaithersburg, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Gaithersburg, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,908 | $137,660▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.13 | $66.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,062 | $86,203▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,222 | $104,039▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $171,551 | $175,210▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $210,627▲ | $204,690 |
| Total Employed | 2,770▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Baltimore and Gaithersburg are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Gaithersburg is $16,752 (13.86%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $141,565,Gaithersburg spans $118,487. Baltimore has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gaithersburg ($125,947 effective) pays 8.84% more than Baltimore ($115,716 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($210,627)
- ✓Larger job market (2,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,660/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,947)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Baltimore grew 14.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.8% growth in Gaithersburg over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$101,740 (2019) → $116,650 (2025)
Gaithersburg, MD
$140,926 (2024) → $132,812 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Baltimore or Gaithersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Gaithersburg?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Gaithersburg as a electrical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov