Baltimore vs Ellicott City: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Baltimore, MD and Ellicott City, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Ellicott City, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,143 | $113,602▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.59 | $54.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,989▲ | $75,371 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,275 | $88,067▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,427 | $143,567▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,485 | $176,083▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,540▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Ellicott City, MD offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Ellicott City is $10,459 (10.14%). Ellicott City's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $70,496,Ellicott City spans $100,712. Ellicott City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ellicott City ($103,936 effective) pays 5.29% more than Baltimore ($98,714 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Ellicott City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,602/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,083)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,936)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Baltimore grew 28.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.6% growth in Ellicott City over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$78,360 (2019) → $100,500 (2025)
Ellicott City, MD
$118,551 (2024) → $110,691 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Ellicott City, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Baltimore or Ellicott City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Ellicott City?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Ellicott City as a civil engineer?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov