Columbia vs Hagerstown: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbia, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Hagerstown, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,089▲ | $115,373 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.17▲ | $55.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,675▲ | $75,322 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,191▲ | $87,729 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,553▲ | $139,585 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,788▲ | $168,784 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, MD offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Columbia and Hagerstown is $7,716 (6.69%). Columbia's median is -1.55% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $115,113,Hagerstown spans $93,462. Columbia 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, Hagerstown ($122,514 effective) pays 8.79% more than Columbia ($112,616 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,089/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,788)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,514)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Columbia grew -17.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$143,852 (2024) → $118,754 (2025)
Hagerstown, MD
$102,250 (2019) → $111,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Hagerstown, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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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