The life sciences industry is one of the largest drivers of job growth in Maryland, responsible for one-third of all job gains between 2002 and 2010, according to a report the state released on Tuesday.
The industry, which includes biotechnology, drug and pharmaceutical research, has supported more than 71,000 jobs at federal agencies, higher education institutions and in the private sector in Maryland, the report says. In the private sector alone, Maryland boasts more than 1,700 life sciences establishments, which is the fifth-highest concentration in the nation.
Life sciences also supports some of the highest-paying jobs in Maryland, providing workers an average salary of more than $91,000, which is 76 percent higher than the average Maryland wage earner.
Gov. Martin O’Malley’s office released the report ahead of his visit to to the BIO 2011 International Convetion in D.C.
