How much does a Department Lead make in Maryland? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Department Lead in Maryland is $48,923 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Department Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,162
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,866 to $52,189
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,262

Key Factors That Influence Department Lead Salaries

A Department Lead's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Department Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Department Lead's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $46,010
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,278
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $47,171
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $48,243
  • Expert (over 8 years): $49,014
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Department Lead less than 1 year $46,010
Early Career Level Department Lead 1-2 years $46,278
Mid-Level Level Department Lead 2-4 years $47,171
Senior-Level Level Department Lead 5-8 years $48,243
Expert Level Department Lead over 8 years $49,014

Top Paying Cities for Department Lead

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Owings: $50,374
  • Riverdale: $52,176
  • College Park: $52,116

Department Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Department Lead roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Media, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Department Lead positions in Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Department Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Department Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media $58,707 $28.0 20%

Department Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Department Lead's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$43,866
Average $48,923/year
$52,189
$3,655
Average $4,077/month
$4,349
$844
Average $941/week
$1,004
$21
Average $24/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $52,189 $4,349 $1,004 $25
Average $48,923 $4,077 $941 $24
25th Percentile $43,866 $3,655 $844 $21

Find Your Next Department Lead Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Department Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Home Depot (Retail) | Hyattsville, MD

    Home Depot (Retail) | Hyattsville, MD

    Department Supervisor | Home Depot. Department Supervisors lead, train, coach and develop associates in each department to ensure customers receive excelle... more

    8 Days Ago

  • McDonald's | New Market, MD

    McDonald's | New Market, MD

    McDonald's Works for Me. I'm going places. I want a satisfying career with good benefits and great opportunities for advancement. I have a lot to offer, an... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Primark | Hanover, MD

    Primark | Hanover, MD

    Department Manager. Because you're the team's glue. Motivate our way. Expanding teams, capabilities, and ambitions. And thanks to our incredible size and s... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Savers Value Village | Camp Springs, MD

    Savers Value Village | Camp Springs, MD

    Savers Value Village - 6307 Allentown Road - Responsibilities: Oversee department operations in-store or backroom production. Lead and develop store team m... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Savers Value Village | Baltimore, MD

    Savers Value Village | Baltimore, MD

    Savers Value Village - 10 Stemmers Run Road - Responsibilities: Oversee department operations and drive store performance and customer service more

    9 Days Ago

  • Home Depot (Retail) | Rosedale, MD

    Home Depot (Retail) | Rosedale, MD

    Department Supervisor. Department Supervisors lead, train, coach and develop associates in each department to ensure customers receive excellent service an... more

    9 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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