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What is the average salary in Washington, DC?

The average salary in Washington, DC is $94,112 per year.

Washington, DC offers a range of salaries across different industries. The average yearly salary in the area stands at $94,112. People in various sectors can expect to earn competitive wages. These numbers show the potential for good financial rewards in the nation's capital.


The salary distribution in Washington, DC reflects a diverse job market. The highest-paying jobs earn around $233,230. Here is a breakdown of the percent distribution and average salaries:

  • 22.82% of jobs pay around $35,550.
  • 14.63% of jobs pay around $53,521.
  • 12.70% of jobs pay around $71,492.
  • 12.17% of jobs pay around $89,463.
  • 9.62% of jobs pay around $107,434.
  • 7.75% of jobs pay around $125,405.
  • 5.83% of jobs pay around $143,375.
  • 4.00% of jobs pay around $161,346.
  • 2.66% of jobs pay around $179,317.
  • 1.76% of jobs pay around $197,288.
  • 1.06% of jobs pay around $215,259.
These figures provide insight into the salary landscape for job seekers in Washington, DC.

View jobs in Washington, DC

What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, offers high-paying job opportunities across several industries. Physicians and General Dentists lead the list, providing excellent salaries with an average of over $230,000. Other top-paying roles include General Counsel and Regulatory Affairs Director, both offering salaries above $190,000. Seeking a role in management or technical fields? Chief Operating Officers and Technical Programs Managers can also expect competitive salaries, surpassing $170,000. These positions provide stability and financial rewards for professionals in Washington, DC.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $246,837 and Security Director with the lowest at $167,295.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $246,837
    Physicians in the city provide care across various specialties. Opportunities exist at renowned institutions like Johns Hopkins Medicine and MedStar Health. They focus on patient care, research, and teaching.
    Find Physician jobs in Washington, DC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $232,155
    Dentists work in private practices or health facilities. They provide dental care, including exams, cleanings, and treatments. They often work with companies like Delta Dental and United Concordia.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Washington, DC


  3. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $229,974
    General Counsels advise on legal matters for organizations. They work in corporate environments like Fannie Mae and Federal Reserve. They draft legal documents and handle litigation.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $194,652
    This role involves managing compliance with regulations. Directors work with companies like AstraZeneca and Novartis. They ensure all operations meet legal standards.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $190,829
    COOs oversee daily operations for companies. They work in sectors like finance and tech. They focus on efficiency and growth, often at firms like Capital One and Accenture.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Counsel
    Average Salary: $184,326
    Counsels provide legal guidance to businesses. They work in firms like WilmerHale and Hogan Lovells. They handle complex cases and provide strategic advice.
    Find Counsel jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $174,872
    These managers oversee tech projects for companies. They work in the tech sector with firms like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services. They coordinate teams and manage timelines.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $171,646
    Solar Sales Representatives promote renewable energy solutions. They work with companies like SunPower and Tesla. They educate clients on solar energy benefits.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Technical Architect
    Average Salary: $170,919
    Technical Architects design system infrastructures. They work in tech companies like IBM and Oracle. They ensure systems are scalable and efficient.
    Find Technical Architect jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Security Director
    Average Salary: $167,295
    Security Directors manage safety for organizations. They work in sectors like finance and government. They develop security policies and handle emergency response.
    Find Security Director jobs in Washington, DC

What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC without a degree?

Looking for well-paying jobs in Washington, DC without a college degree? Several opportunities exist that offer competitive salaries. Journeyman Level Acoustic Analysts earn an average of $113,272 annually. A Canvasser can make around $67,213 per year. Other roles like Restaurant Manager and Landscaper provide salaries of $63,524 and $59,997, respectively. These positions focus on practical skills and experience. These jobs leverage hands-on skills and experience rather than formal education. Candidates can advance by gaining relevant experience. Restaurant Managers and Landscapers benefit from customer interaction and outdoor work. Roles like Concrete Finisher and Kitchen Manager offer stability and growth. These positions provide solid income and chances for advancement. Job seekers in Washington, DC can explore these options for good pay and career opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC without a degree, highlighting Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst with the highest at $113,272 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $43,831.
  1. Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst
    Average Salary: $113,272
    This role involves testing and evaluating acoustics for various projects. It requires skill in acoustic analysis and attention to detail. Opportunities exist in environmental consulting firms, tech companies, and construction firms.
    Find Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $67,213
    Canvassers gather information and support for campaigns and causes. They engage directly with the community, attending events and speaking with residents. Political campaigns and nonprofit organizations often have openings for this role.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $63,524
    Managing a restaurant involves overseeing daily operations, ensuring customer satisfaction, and handling staff. This position is hands-on, requiring strong leadership and communication skills. Many restaurants, from local diners to high-end eateries, need experienced managers.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $59,997
    Landscapers maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. They plant, prune, and tend to gardens and lawns. This role involves physical work and a keen eye for aesthetics. Landscaping companies and property management firms often hire landscapers.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $52,045
    This role focuses on installing, maintaining, and repairing irrigation systems. Technicians ensure that gardens, parks, and fields receive proper watering. Opportunities are found in landscaping companies and government agencies.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $51,151
    A kitchen manager oversees kitchen operations, ensuring food quality and safety. They coordinate with chefs and kitchen staff, managing schedules and inventory. Restaurants, hotels, and catering companies hire kitchen managers.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $48,947
    These professionals set up and clean banquet areas for events. They ensure tables, chairs, and decorations are ready. Banquet housepersons work in event venues, hotels, and catering services.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $47,797
    Concrete finishers shape and finish concrete surfaces. They use tools to smooth and texture concrete for buildings and roads. Construction firms and contractors frequently need skilled finishers.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $45,233
    Food service aides help prepare and serve food in restaurants and cafeterias. They clean dishes and assist cooks. This entry-level position is available in many dining establishments.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $43,831
    Housekeepers clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, and residential properties. They ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Hospitality businesses and property management companies hire housekeepers.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Washington, DC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Washington, DC?

Companies in Washington, DC, offer some of the highest salaries available in the tech and consulting sectors. SAP leads with an average salary of nearly $254,000. Other top-paying companies include Palo Alto Networks, Okta, Apple, and ServiceNow. In addition to tech leaders, consulting firms like PwC also provide competitive compensation packages. Google, Shield AI, Motion Recruitment, and Microsoft round out the list of best-paying employers. These companies show a commitment to rewarding their employees well.
Graph displaying company salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting SAP with the highest at $253,984 and Microsoft with the lowest at $169,194.
  1. SAP
    Average Salary: $253,984
    SAP is a global leader in enterprise software, offering a range of solutions for business applications. They are known for their innovative technology and strong corporate culture.


  2. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $236,490
    Palo Alto Networks specializes in cybersecurity solutions, providing next-generation firewalls and threat detection services to protect businesses and organizations.


  3. Okta
    Average Salary: $196,839
    Okta helps organizations manage user identities and access to applications with its identity and access management services. It is a fast-growing company in the tech sector.


  4. Apple
    Average Salary: $187,481
    Apple is a tech giant known for its innovative products like iPhones, MacBooks, and more. They offer a wide range of career opportunities in tech, design, and retail.


  5. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $183,782
    ServiceNow provides cloud-based software for enterprise workflow automation, helping businesses streamline their operations and improve efficiency.


  6. Google
    Average Salary: $178,095
    Google is a leader in internet-related services, including search engines, advertising, and cloud computing. They offer a dynamic work environment with many growth opportunities.


  7. PwC
    Average Salary: $174,400
    PwC is a multinational professional services network offering audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services. They are known for their commitment to professional development.


  8. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $170,771
    Shield AI specializes in artificial intelligence and robotics. They develop AI solutions for military and commercial applications, focusing on innovation and technology.


  9. Motion Recruitment
    Average Salary: $169,286
    Motion Recruitment is a leading recruitment firm providing staffing and HR solutions to businesses across various industries. They have a strong presence in the tech sector.


  10. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $169,194
    Microsoft is a tech giant known for its software products like Windows, Office, and Azure. They offer a wide range of job opportunities in technology, cloud computing, and more.

How does the cost of living in Washington, DC compare to the national average?

Washington, DC, has a higher cost of living than the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Washington, DC, stands at 134, indicating that expenses are 34% above the national average. This elevated cost is seen across various categories, with housing being the most significant at 83% above the average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Washington, DC vs. Nationwide: housing 83% higher, groceries 16% higher, utilities 9% higher, transportation 13% higher, healthcare 6% higher, miscellaneous 18% higher.

Washington, DC, stands out with a significantly higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in the capital are particularly steep, reaching 183 on the index. This means housing expenses in DC are over 80% higher than the average for the rest of the country. For those considering a move to Washington, DC, these numbers suggest that budgeting for housing will need extra attention.


Beyond housing, other costs also exceed the national average. Groceries in DC are about 16% more expensive, with an index of 116, while utilities run at 9% higher at 109. Transportation costs are nearly on par with the national average, sitting at 13% higher with an index of 113. Healthcare costs remain relatively close to the average at 106, only 6% higher. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are also 18% above average, with an index of 118. Overall, while DC offers a vibrant lifestyle, the higher cost of living should be a key consideration for job seekers.

There are 8,592 job openings in Washington, DC, today!

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City
Overview
Washington, DC
8,592 Job Openings