What is the average salary in Washington, DC?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC?

-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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?

-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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?

-
SAP
Average Salary: $258,034
SAP is a global leader in enterprise software, helping companies run efficiently and grow sustainably.
-
Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $236,650
Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity firm that provides cloud-based security solutions to protect organizations.
-
Okta
Average Salary: $197,846
Okta is an identity management company that offers cloud software to help companies secure and manage employee access.
-
ServiceNow
Average Salary: $188,662
ServiceNow creates software solutions for enterprise workflow automation, improving efficiency and productivity.
-
Apple
Average Salary: $186,422
Apple is a technology giant known for its innovative products, including the iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
-
Google
Average Salary: $177,972
Google is a leading tech company providing internet-related services, from search to cloud computing.
-
PwC
Average Salary: $175,281
PwC is a professional services network offering audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services.
-
Shield AI
Average Salary: $172,201
Shield AI is an artificial intelligence company focused on developing autonomous software for defense and commercial applications.
-
Microsoft
Average Salary: $170,560
Microsoft is a tech giant known for its software products, including Windows, Office, and cloud services like Azure.
-
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?

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.



