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What is the average salary in Washington, DC?

The average salary in Washington, DC is $92,790 per year.

Washington, DC, offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $92,790. This figure reflects the diverse job market and the high demand for skilled professionals. Job seekers can find opportunities in sectors like government, finance, and technology, where salaries often exceed the average.


The salary distribution in Washington, DC, shows a wide range of earnings. The top-paying sectors include:

  • Information Technology: $123,745
  • Finance and Insurance: $106,036
  • Professional and Business Services: $88,327
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance: $70,618
  • Education Services: $52,909

These figures highlight the potential for higher earnings in certain fields, making Washington, DC, an attractive location for job seekers aiming for a lucrative career.

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What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, offers a range of high-paying jobs for professionals. Physicians lead the way with top salaries, followed closely by general dentists and general counsels. These roles provide excellent compensation and opportunities for career growth. Other well-paying jobs in the area include regulatory affairs directors, chief operating officers, and various technical and sales positions. These careers often require specialized skills and experience, but they offer competitive salaries and benefits. Job seekers in DC can find rewarding opportunities in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $235,412 and Solutions Architect with the lowest at $164,866.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $235,412
    Medical professionals diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. Many physicians specialize in areas like cardiology or pediatrics.
    Find Physician jobs in Washington, DC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $229,396
    Dentists focus on oral health. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They work in private practices and clinics, ensuring patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Washington, DC


  3. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $226,749
    General Counsels provide legal advice to organizations. They handle contracts, compliance, and litigation. They work in corporate settings, ensuring the company adheres to laws and regulations.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Regulatory Affairs Director
    Average Salary: $190,429
    Regulatory Affairs Directors ensure compliance with laws and regulations. They work in industries like pharmaceuticals and technology. They manage documentation and liaise with regulatory bodies.
    Find Regulatory Affairs Director jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $182,395
    Chief Operating Officers oversee daily operations. They ensure efficiency and productivity. They work in various sectors, managing teams and implementing strategies.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Counsel
    Average Salary: $182,244
    Counsels provide legal advice and support. They handle cases, draft documents, and represent clients. They work in law firms, corporations, and government agencies.
    Find Counsel jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $178,663
    Solar Sales Representatives promote solar energy solutions. They educate clients on benefits and install systems. They work with companies specializing in renewable energy.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Technical Programs Manager
    Average Salary: $171,679
    Technical Programs Managers oversee technical projects. They coordinate teams and manage timelines. They work in tech companies, ensuring projects meet deadlines and goals.
    Find Technical Programs Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Technical Architect
    Average Salary: $167,241
    Technical Architects design system infrastructures. They create blueprints and ensure systems run smoothly. They work in IT firms, focusing on technology solutions.
    Find Technical Architect jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Solutions Architect
    Average Salary: $164,866
    Solutions Architects design software solutions. They analyze needs and develop systems. They work in tech companies, creating software that meets client requirements.
    Find Solutions Architect 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. Among these, Journeyman Level Acoustic Analysts earn the highest average salary at $103,552. Float Operators and Canvassers also provide good income, with average salaries of $100,708 and $66,141, respectively. Job seekers in Washington, DC can find rewarding opportunities in various roles. Restaurant Managers, Landscapers, and Kitchen Managers are among the top-paying positions that do not need a degree. These jobs offer competitive salaries and the chance to work in a dynamic environment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC without a degree, highlighting Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst with the highest at $103,552 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $44,310.
  1. Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst
    Average Salary: $103,552
    This role involves analyzing sound levels in various environments. It requires experience and skills in acoustics. Companies like AECOM and Arup hire for these positions.
    Find Journeyman Level Acoustic Analyst jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Float Operator
    Average Salary: $100,708
    Float operators manage concrete finishing. They ensure smooth surfaces on construction sites. Firms like Clark Construction Group and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company look for skilled operators.
    Find Float Operator jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $66,141
    Canvassers gather information and support for campaigns. They visit homes and businesses to promote causes. Organizations like the Democratic National Committee and local political campaigns hire canvassers.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Washington, DC


  4. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $63,606
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They handle staff, customer service, and inventory. Restaurants like The Hamilton and Founding Farmers hire managers with experience.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  5. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $62,226
    Landscapers maintain and design outdoor spaces. They plant, prune, and care for gardens. Companies like TruGreen and local landscaping firms offer these jobs.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Washington, DC


  6. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $52,229
    Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff. They ensure food quality and kitchen cleanliness. Restaurants like P.F. Chang's and local eateries hire kitchen managers.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $52,045
    Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work on lawns, parks, and farms. Companies like TruGreen and local irrigation firms offer these positions.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Banquet Houseperson
    Average Salary: $47,483
    Banquet housepersons set up and clean banquet areas. They work at events and venues. Companies like Marriott and local event spaces hire housepersons.
    Find Banquet Houseperson jobs in Washington, DC


  9. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $46,639
    Concrete finishers shape and finish concrete surfaces. They work on construction sites. Firms like Clark Construction Group and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company hire finishers.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Washington, DC


  10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $44,310
    Food service aides assist in food preparation and service. They work in restaurants and cafeterias. Restaurants like P.F. Chang's and local eateries hire aides.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Washington, DC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Washington, DC?

Job seekers in Washington, DC, have many high-paying companies to choose from. SAP leads the pack with an average salary of $247,918. Palo Alto Networks and Okta follow closely, offering average salaries of $239,429 and $196,488, respectively. Other top-paying companies in the area include Apple, Google, and PwC. These companies offer competitive salaries ranging from $178,683 to $173,263. Shield AI, Microsoft, Motion Recruitment, and Visa also provide attractive compensation packages. These companies show a commitment to rewarding their employees well.
Graph displaying company salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting SAP with the highest at $247,918 and Visa with the lowest at $166,197.
  1. SAP
    Average Salary: $247,918
    SAP is a leading software company. It offers enterprise software to manage business operations and customer relations.


  2. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $239,429
    Palo Alto Networks provides cybersecurity solutions. It helps protect businesses from cyber threats.


  3. Okta
    Average Salary: $196,488
    Okta is a cloud software company. It provides identity and access management services.


  4. Apple
    Average Salary: $188,506
    Apple designs and sells consumer electronics, computers, and online services. It is a global tech giant.


  5. Google
    Average Salary: $178,683
    Google is a tech company. It offers internet-related services and products, including search engines and cloud computing.


  6. PwC
    Average Salary: $173,263
    PwC is a professional services firm. It provides audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services.


  7. Shield AI
    Average Salary: $170,798
    Shield AI is a tech company. It specializes in artificial intelligence and autonomous systems.


  8. Microsoft
    Average Salary: $168,581
    Microsoft is a tech company. It develops software, hardware, and cloud services.


  9. Motion Recruitment
    Average Salary: $167,844
    Motion Recruitment is a staffing firm. It helps companies find and hire the right talent.


  10. Visa
    Average Salary: $166,197
    Visa is a financial services company. It provides payment services to businesses and consumers.

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 overall cost of living index in Washington, DC, stands at 129, which is 29% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely due to the housing index, which is 78% higher than the average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous also show higher costs, though not as dramatically. Healthcare costs in Washington, DC, are slightly below the national average at 8% lower.
Cost of living comparison graph for Washington, DC vs. Nationwide: housing 78% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 27% higher, healthcare 8% higher, miscellaneous 30% higher.

Washington, DC, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Washington, DC, stands at 178, which is 78% higher than the national average. This means that housing costs in the capital are significantly more expensive, making it a critical factor for job seekers considering relocation.


Other expenses in Washington, DC, also exceed the national average. For instance, groceries cost 15% more, with an index of 115. Utilities are 10% higher at 110, while transportation costs are 27% above average at 127. Healthcare costs are slightly below average at 108, offering a small relief. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are 30% higher at 130. These figures highlight the overall higher expenses that professionals may face when considering a move to Washington, DC.

There are 10,581 job openings in Washington, DC, today!

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Washington, DC
10,581 Job Openings