The Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area’s economy is a powerhouse of growth, consistently leading the nation in key metrics. With a robust and diverse business landscape, the region is a magnet for top talent and a center for federal government, defense, and life sciences. To succeed in 2026, employers must understand these local dynamics and offer compensation packages that reflect the region’s strategic importance and its high-growth sectors.
what’s inside the 2026 salary guide?
- national averages for hundreds of job titles with regional variances
- salaries defined for entry, intermediate, and senior experience levels
- key trends impacting industries in 2026
- top roles employers will hire for in 2026 in multiple core sectors
Our 2026 Baltimore-Washington salary guide is the essential resource for understanding the region’s job market, providing the data and strategies you need to build a resilient and effective team.
what you'll uncover in our 2026 baltimore-washington salary guide
Our comprehensive guide compiles data from a wide range of in-demand sectors to give you a detailed view of the region’s evolving labor market. Inside, you will find:
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in-demand job market data
Get a granular look at salary averages for the most sought-after roles and sectors in the Baltimore-Washington area, including:
- computer and information research scientist
- financial manager
- registered nurse
- project manager
- software developer
- aerospace engineer
- operations research analyst
- computer and information systems manager
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analysis and trends for the year ahead
Beyond the numbers, our guide provides strategic insights into the factors that will drive hiring and retention in 2026.
- The power of education: The guide explores how the region’s concentration of top-tier universities, such as Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland, is fueling a high-skilled workforce. It provides insights on how to partner with these institutions and their research and development sectors to build a pipeline of top talent.
- Managing the skills gap: The guide explores how to address the talent shortage by unlocking untapped potential within communities. It provides insights on how to partner with community-based organizations and adopt skills-based hiring practices to find qualified workers.
- Strategic retention: With a competitive job market, high employee turnover rates can be a costly and disruptive issue. The guide explores how to prioritize retention by focusing on professional development and career growth opportunities, creating a supportive environment that not only draws skilled individuals but also fosters their long-term growth.
Our guide features contributions from industry experts, offering a comprehensive view of the current and future landscape of compensation in the Baltimore-Washington area. By understanding these trends, you can position your organization for long-term success.
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