Professional & Financial Services
The Driving Force of Industries
From brand consultancies to insurance firms to global human resources advisors, Howard County is a thriving environment for the professional services industry. Grow or build your business in a community that supports some of the nation’s leading agencies, upheld by thousands of highly educated individuals from nationally and regionally recognized institutions like Howard Community College and the University of Baltimore. The state of Maryland is also home to a variety of trade organizations such as the Maryland Bankers Association and the American Marketing Association.
Fast Facts
Employed in the Professional & Business Services Industry in the Columbia-Baltimore-Townsend MSA
Annual Mean Wage for Arts, Design and Media Occupations in Columbia-Baltimore-Townsend MSA
Best Colleges for International Relations (Johns Hopkins University)
Work in Professional Services in HoCo
Find the perfect career in finance, digital marketing or consultancy in Howard County — where thousands of professionals enjoy satisfying employment.
Professional & Financial Services Employers
Whether you’re exploring financial services jobs or want to start your career in technical support, Howard County is home to hundreds of back office employment possibilities.
Professional Talent that Moves the Needle
Find talent or cultivate your own with several higher education institutions in Howard County. Howard Community College offers an associate degree in accounting, which lays the foundation for students aiming to join the ranks of prestigious banking firms and government agencies within the region. The county’s talent pool is further enriched by neighboring institutions such as Johns Hopkins University, UMBC and the University of Baltimore, renowned for its programs in business & entrepreneurship and communication & design. And as one of the top-ranking colleges for accounting and finance, the University of Maryland further enhances Howard County’s expertise in professional services.
The Foundation for Thriving Business
A thriving landscape of firms specializing in financial and professional services awaits in Ellicott City, Columbia and across Howard County. W.R. Grace — a worldwide industry leader specializing in chemical materials and value-added products — partners with enterprises to enhance their manufacturing processes. Ironmark USA also plays a significant role in fostering business growth, with end-to-end services that include creative services, digital marketing and printed media. Overall, nearly a quarter of a million individuals were employed within the professional and business services sectors in the Columbia-Baltimore metro area in 2023.
Featured News + Events
Libraries That Power Our Economy
Howard County is moving forward with a bold new Central Library at the Columbia Lakefront—a transformational project that will serve as both a civic anchor and economic engine for years to come. As County Executive Calvin Ball and HCLS President & CEO Tonya Aikens announced renewed momentum for the project, we are proud to release
SphereHub to Compete at Pumpkin Pitch 2025
The Pumpkin Pitch 2025 is right around the corner and the Maryland Innovation Center will once again open its stage to five promising startups on Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM. Each company has a story, a vision and a solution to some of today’s most pressing challenges. This year, SphereHub is one of the
Appellate Takes the Stage at Pumpkin Pitch
The countdown is on for Pumpkin Pitch 2025, one of Howard County’s most exciting celebrations of entrepreneurship and innovation. On Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM at the Maryland Innovation Center, five incredible startups will pitch their ideas live for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes. Among them is Appellate, a company tackling a