Columbia vs Lexington Park: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbia, MD and Lexington Park, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, MD | Lexington Park, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,089 | $133,605▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.17 | $64.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,675 | $91,523▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,191 | $107,900▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,553 | $161,196▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,788▲ | $182,165 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Lexington Park, MD offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington Park is $10,516 (8.54%). Lexington Park's median is +6.86% 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,Lexington Park spans $90,642. 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, Lexington Park ($132,597 effective) pays 17.74% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,788)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington Park if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,605/year)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,597)
- ✓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 1.9% growth in Lexington Park over the same period.
Columbia, MD
$143,852 (2024) → $118,754 (2025)
Lexington Park, MD
$126,510 (2024) → $128,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, MD
Lexington Park, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Columbia or Lexington Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Lexington Park?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Lexington Park as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Columbia vs Lexington Park?
Related Comparisons
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