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What is the average salary in Washington, DC?

The average salary in Washington, DC is $94,932 per year.

In Washington, DC, job seekers will find a variety of salary opportunities. Salaries in the area range from a low of $35,900 to a high of $235,000 per year. The average yearly salary stands at $94,932, offering a solid income potential for most positions.

The distribution of salaries shows that many positions fall within a competitive range. For example, 22.94% of jobs pay $54,000 to $72,100 annually. Positions in higher-paying brackets include 9.31% of jobs that offer between $108,300 to $126,400. This spread presents numerous options for professionals to explore and advance their careers.

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What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, offers many high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among the top-paying roles, physicians lead with an average salary of around $248,550. Also in high demand are positions like General Counsel and General Dentist, both offering salaries above $200,000. The area also favors roles in legal, IT, and management fields. For example, General Counsel and Regulatory Affairs Directors find lucrative opportunities with salaries around $231,717 and $200,568, respectively. Technical experts, such as Technical Architects and Information Security Officers, also earn well, with average salaries over $160,000. These jobs reflect the diverse economic landscape of Washington, DC, providing excellent earning potential for qualified candidates.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $248,550 and Information Security Officer with the lowest at $167,346.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $248,550
    Physicians in the area often work in renowned hospitals and healthcare facilities. They provide essential medical care, lead teams, and contribute to medical research. Notable employers include The George Washington University Hospital and MedStar Health.
    Find Physician jobs in Washington, DC


  2. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $231,717
    General Counsels provide legal advice in major corporations and law firms. They handle corporate governance, risk management, and compliance issues. Companies like Deloitte and the U.S. Department of Defense seek these experts.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC


  3. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $229,700
    Dentists offer a range of services to maintain oral health. They work in private practices and dental clinics. Key employers include the American Dental Association and National Dental Association.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $200,568
    Regulatory Affairs Directors ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. They work for pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms. Major employers include Pfizer and Novartis.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $191,302
    Chief Operating Officers oversee day-to-day operations in various industries. They work in corporate settings and non-profits. Notable employers include the World Bank and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Counsel
    Average Salary: $188,242
    Counsels provide legal advice to clients on complex issues. They work in law firms and corporate legal departments. Key employers include WilmerHale and Shearman & Sterling.
    Find Counsel jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $177,982
    Technical Programs Managers coordinate technical projects in tech firms. They lead teams and ensure project success. Employers include Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Technical Architect
    Average Salary: $170,769
    Technical Architects design and implement IT systems. They work in tech companies and consulting firms. Notable employers include IBM and Accenture.
    Find Technical Architect jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $168,518
    Solutions Architects create technology solutions for business needs. They work with clients to tailor IT systems. Key employers include Deloitte and Accenture.
    Find Solutions Architect jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Information Security Officer
    Average Salary: $167,346
    Information Security Officers protect organizations from cyber threats. They work in tech firms and government agencies. Major employers include the Department of Defense and Palo Alto Networks.
    Find Information Security Officer jobs in Washington, DC

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. Roles such as Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst, Restaurant Manager, and Canvasser offer competitive salaries. Experienced workers can earn over $50,000 annually in these fields. Opportunities for top earners often include positions like Landscaper and Kitchen Manager, where skills and experience can lead to significant income. These jobs highlight that success and high earnings are achievable without a degree. Job seekers can find rewarding careers that match their skills and ambitions.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC without a degree, highlighting Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst with the highest at $112,959 and Housekeeping with the lowest at $44,170.
  1. Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst
    Average Salary: $112,959
    Perform acoustical tests in buildings and spaces. Work for consulting firms and construction companies. Skills in noise control and sound analysis are vital.
    Find Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $67,645
    Oversee daily operations in dining establishments. Manage staff and ensure quality service. Common employers include upscale restaurants and chains.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $66,565
    Engage with the public to promote products or services. Work for political campaigns or marketing firms. Requires strong communication and persuasion skills.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $60,119
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Work for landscaping companies or government entities. Handle tasks from planting to irrigation system maintenance.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $52,045
    Install and repair irrigation systems. Work for landscape companies or golf courses. Knowledge of water systems and maintenance is essential.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $50,877
    Supervise kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food safety and quality. Often work in high-end restaurants or hotels.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $50,119
    Prepare and clean event spaces. Work in banquet halls or hotels. Requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $49,072
    Smooth and finish concrete surfaces. Work for construction firms. Handle tools and follow safety guidelines diligently.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $46,497
    Assist in food preparation and service. Work in cafeterias or fast-food restaurants. Requires basic kitchen skills and a team-oriented mindset.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $44,170
    Clean and maintain rooms. Work in hotels or residential buildings. Attention to cleanliness and customer service is key.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Washington, DC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Washington, DC?

The best-paying companies in Washington, DC offer competitive salaries across various industries. SAP, Palo Alto Networks, and Okta stand out with average salaries reaching over $190,000. Apple and Google also provide attractive compensation packages, with averages above $180,000. Professionals can find excellent opportunities at these top-tier firms, which prioritize rewarding their employees. ServiceNow, Microsoft, PwC, and Shield AI follow closely with competitive salaries over $170,000. These companies support a high standard of living for their workers in the nation's capital.
Graph displaying company salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting SAP with the highest at $258,034 and Motion Recruitment with the lowest at $169,572.
  1. SAP
    Average Salary: $258,034
    SAP is a global leader in enterprise software, helping companies run efficiently and grow sustainably.


  2. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $236,650
    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity firm that provides cloud-based security solutions to protect organizations.


  3. Okta
    Average Salary: $197,846
    Okta is an identity management company that offers cloud software to help companies secure and manage employee access.


  4. ServiceNow
    Average Salary: $188,662
    ServiceNow creates software solutions for enterprise workflow automation, improving efficiency and productivity.


  5. Apple
    Average Salary: $186,422
    Apple is a technology giant known for its innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.


  6. Google
    Average Salary: $177,972
    Google is a leading tech company providing internet-related services, from search to cloud computing.


  7. PwC
    Average Salary: $175,281
    PwC is a professional services network offering audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services.


  8. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $172,201
    Shield AI is an artificial intelligence company focused on developing autonomous software for defense and commercial applications.


  9. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $170,560
    Microsoft is a tech giant known for its software products, including Windows, Office, and cloud services like Azure.


  10. Motion Recruitment
    Average Salary: $169,572
    Motion Recruitment is a staffing agency helping businesses find the talent they need to thrive in a competitive market.

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

The cost of living index in Washington, DC, is notably higher than the nationwide average. Housing, for example, has an index of 162, meaning it is 62% higher than average. Other areas like groceries and utilities are also above average, with indices of 125 and 107 respectively. Overall, Washington, DC, has a cost of living about 25% higher than the nationwide average. This elevated cost affects many areas of daily life, making it important for job seekers to consider these factors. Understanding these numbers can help people plan their budgets and lifestyle when considering a move to the capital.
Cost of living comparison graph for Washington, DC vs. Nationwide: housing 62% higher, groceries 25% higher, utilities 7% higher, transportation 12% higher, healthcare 10% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

Washington, D.C. has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index stands at 162, which is 62% above the average of 100. This means housing costs significantly more in the nation’s capital than elsewhere in the country. People planning to move to Washington, D.C. should be prepared for higher housing expenses.


Groceries, utilities, and other costs also show differences. The groceries index is at 125, which is 25% higher than the nationwide average. Utilities in Washington, D.C. are 7% above average, with an index of 107. This suggests that while some costs are higher, others like utilities are only slightly more expensive. Healthcare and transportation are close to the average, with indexes of 110 and 112, respectively. This indicates that these areas have costs that are only marginally higher than the rest of the country. Knowing these details can help job seekers make better financial plans when considering a move to Washington, D.C.

There are 10,559 job openings in Washington, DC, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Washington, DC

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City
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Washington, DC
10,559 Job Openings