Baltimore vs Silver Spring: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Baltimore, MD and Silver Spring, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Silver Spring, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,143 | $110,226▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.59 | $53.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,989▲ | $76,630 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,275 | $88,073▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,427 | $141,089▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,485 | $170,850▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,540▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Silver Spring, MD offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Baltimore.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Silver Spring is $7,083 (6.87%). Silver Spring's median is +6.51% 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,Silver Spring spans $94,220. Silver Spring 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, Silver Spring ($100,847 effective) pays 2.16% 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 Silver Spring if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,226/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,850)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,847)
- ✓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 Silver Spring over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$78,360 (2019) → $100,500 (2025)
Silver Spring, MD
$115,026 (2024) → $107,401 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Silver Spring, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Baltimore or Silver Spring?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Silver Spring?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Silver Spring as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Baltimore vs Silver Spring?
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