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What is the average salary in Washington, DC?

The average salary in Washington, DC is $90,595 per year.

Washington, DC, offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $90,595. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, where different industries offer varying pay scales.


The salary distribution shows a broad spectrum. The lowest 10% of earners make around $35,000 annually. The highest 10% earn over $208,000 per year. Most positions fall between $69,608 and $173,432. This range indicates a mix of entry-level, mid-level, and senior roles. Job seekers can find positions that match their experience and skills, with many opportunities for growth and advancement.

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What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, offers a range of high-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Among the top earners, General Dentists, Physicians, and General Counsels lead the way with average salaries above $200,000. These roles require specialized education and experience, making them highly rewarding for those who qualify. Other well-compensated positions include Regulatory Affairs Directors, Chief Operating Officers, and Counsels. These jobs often involve significant responsibility and decision-making, which reflects in their competitive salaries. For those with the right qualifications, these roles can be both financially rewarding and professionally fulfilling.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting General Dentist with the highest at $234,983 and Optometrist with the lowest at $162,657.
  1. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $234,983
    This role involves diagnosing and treating dental issues. Dentists work in clinics and private practices. They use modern technology to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction. Many dentists in the area work with top-tier healthcare providers.
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  2. Physician
    Average Salary: $230,451
    Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and private practices. Physicians in the area often collaborate with leading medical institutions. They provide comprehensive care to patients of all ages.
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  3. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $222,006
    General Counsel provides legal advice to organizations. They handle legal issues and ensure compliance with laws. In the area, General Counsel often work with major corporations and government agencies. They play a key role in strategic decision-making.
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  4. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $189,048
    This role involves ensuring compliance with regulations. Directors work with government agencies and industry groups. They develop policies and procedures to meet legal standards. Many Regulatory Affairs Directors in the area work with tech companies and healthcare providers.
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  5. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $183,961
    The COO oversees daily operations. They work with executives to improve efficiency. In the area, COOs often lead large organizations. They focus on strategic planning and operational excellence.
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  6. Counsel
    Average Salary: $178,649
    Counsel provides legal advice to clients. They handle complex legal matters. In the area, Counsel often work with financial firms and tech companies. They ensure clients comply with laws and regulations.
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  7. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $177,364
    This role involves selling solar energy solutions. Representatives work with businesses and homeowners. They educate clients on the benefits of solar energy. Many Solar Sales Representatives in the area work with renewable energy companies.
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  8. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $169,836
    Technical Programs Managers oversee technical projects. They coordinate teams and resources. In the area, they often work with tech companies and government agencies. They ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
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  9. Technical Architect
    Average Salary: $164,381
    Technical Architects design systems and solutions. They work with engineers and developers. In the area, they often work with tech companies and financial institutions. They create systems that meet client needs.
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  10. Optometrist
    Average Salary: $162,657
    Optometrists examine eyes and vision. They prescribe glasses and contact lenses. In the area, they work in clinics and private practices. They use advanced technology to ensure accurate diagnoses and treatments.
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What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC without a degree?

Washington, DC offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Among these, Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst and Float Operator stand out with average salaries of $101,558 and $101,115, respectively. These positions provide excellent opportunities for those seeking well-paying work without a degree. Other notable jobs include Canvasser, Landscaper, and Restaurant Manager, all offering competitive salaries. Canvassers earn an average of $66,202, while Landscapers make around $65,987. Restaurant Managers earn about $62,892, making these roles attractive for those who prefer practical, hands-on work. These jobs highlight the potential for a rewarding career in Washington, DC, even without a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC without a degree, highlighting Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst with the highest at $101,558 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $43,546.
  1. Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst
    Average Salary: $101,558
    This role involves analyzing sound levels in various environments. It often works with companies that focus on construction and urban planning. The job is crucial for ensuring compliance with noise regulations.
    Find Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Float Operator
    Average Salary: $101,115
    Float operators manage the finishing of concrete surfaces in construction projects. They work with general contractors and construction firms. This job requires attention to detail and a steady hand.
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  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $66,202
    Canvassers gather information and promote products or services door-to-door. They often work for political campaigns or marketing firms. This role involves strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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  4. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $65,987
    Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces. They work with residential and commercial properties. This job requires physical stamina and a good eye for aesthetics.
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  5. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $62,892
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations in dining establishments. They work with chefs and waitstaff to ensure smooth service. This role demands strong leadership and organizational skills.
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  6. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $52,045
    Irrigation technicians install and maintain water systems for lawns and gardens. They work with landscaping companies and homeowners. This job requires knowledge of plumbing and irrigation systems.
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  7. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $50,947
    Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff and ensure food quality. They work in restaurants and catering companies. This role involves strong culinary skills and the ability to manage a team.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $46,314
    Concrete finishers shape and finish concrete surfaces. They work on construction sites with general contractors. This job requires physical strength and attention to detail.
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  9. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $45,712
    Banquet housepersons set up tables and chairs for events. They work in banquet halls and event venues. This job involves strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $43,546
    Food service aides assist in preparing and serving food. They work in restaurants and cafeterias. This role requires basic cooking skills and attention to food safety.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Washington, DC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Washington, DC?

Palo Alto Networks, SAP, and Okta lead the way in offering the highest salaries in Washington, DC. With average salaries of $240,863, $238,884, and $189,930 respectively, these companies provide competitive compensation packages. Google, Apple, and PwC also offer attractive salaries, with averages around $185,000. These companies stand out for their commitment to rewarding employees well. Other notable employers in Washington, DC, include Shield AI, Microsoft, and Motion Recruitment, all offering salaries above $165,000. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a solid average of $165,240. These companies recognize the value of their workforce and offer competitive pay to attract top talent. Job seekers in Washington, DC, have many excellent options for high-paying careers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting Palo Alto Networks with the highest at $240,863 and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with the lowest at $165,240.
  1. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $240,863
    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity leader. They offer a range of security solutions for enterprises. Their work focuses on protecting businesses from cyber threats.


  2. SAP
    Average Salary: $238,884
    SAP is a software company. They provide enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations. SAP is known for its strong financial performance and innovation.


  3. Okta
    Average Salary: $189,930
    Okta is a cloud software company. They focus on identity and access management. Okta helps businesses secure their digital assets and manage user access.


  4. Google
    Average Salary: $185,947
    Google is a tech giant. They offer a wide range of products and services. Google is known for its innovative culture and high compensation packages.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $185,394
    Apple is a leading tech company. They design and produce consumer electronics. Apple is known for its cutting-edge technology and strong brand loyalty.


  6. PwC
    Average Salary: $172,728
    PwC is a professional services firm. They offer audit, tax, and consulting services. PwC is known for its strong reputation and client base.


  7. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $169,952
    Shield AI is a tech company. They focus on artificial intelligence and robotics. Shield AI is known for its innovative approach to AI technology.


  8. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $167,391
    Microsoft is a tech company. They offer a range of software and hardware products. Microsoft is known for its strong market presence and innovation.


  9. Motion Recruitment
    Average Salary: $166,656
    Motion Recruitment is a staffing firm. They help companies find the right talent. Motion Recruitment is known for its strong network and recruitment expertise.


  10. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
    Average Salary: $165,240
    The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a government agency. They protect consumers in the financial sector. The CFPB is known for its mission to ensure fair practices in finance.

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

Washington, DC, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Washington, DC, stands at 128, indicating a 28% increase over the national average of 100. This rise is largely driven by housing costs, which are 68% higher than the national average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses also exceed the average, though not as dramatically.
Cost of living comparison graph for Washington, DC vs. Nationwide: housing 87% higher, groceries 17% higher, utilities 14% higher, transportation 18% higher, healthcare 18% higher, miscellaneous 24% higher.

The cost of living in Washington, DC, significantly exceeds the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in the capital are particularly high, with an index of 168. This means housing expenses in Washington, DC, are nearly 70% higher than the average American city. For those considering a move, this could mean a substantial increase in monthly housing costs.


Other areas of spending also show higher costs in Washington, DC. Groceries have an index of 115, indicating prices are 15% above the national average. Utilities follow closely with an index of 116, which is 16% higher. Transportation costs are slightly above average at 107, which means they are 7% higher. Healthcare costs are at 108, 8% above the national average, while miscellaneous expenses are at 120, 20% higher than average. These figures highlight the elevated expenses job seekers should consider when planning to relocate to Washington, DC.

There are 10,540 job openings in Washington, DC, today!

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Washington, DC
10,540 Job Openings