Hagerstown vs Laurel: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Laurel, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Laurel, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,373 | $129,821▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.46 | $62.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,322 | $86,344▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,729 | $101,493▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,585 | $164,552▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,784 | $194,820▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Laurel, MD offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Laurel is $14,448 (12.52%). Laurel's median is +3.83% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $93,462,Laurel spans $108,476. Laurel has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hagerstown ($122,514 effective) pays 3.15% more than Laurel ($118,775 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,514)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Laurel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,821/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,820)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Hagerstown grew 8.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.8% growth in Laurel over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$102,250 (2019) → $111,310 (2025)
Laurel, MD
$132,900 (2024) → $125,249 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Laurel, 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