What is the average salary in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC, stands out as a city with competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $98,002. This places the city among the top places for earning potential. The salary range varies greatly from $35,940 to $240,000 depending on the job sector.
The distribution of salaries showcases a diverse economic landscape. The largest share of jobs, 21.63%, falls within the range of $35,940 to $54,491. Other significant percentages include 14.39% of jobs paying between $54,491 and $73,042. These figures highlight that many roles offer good salaries. The top-paying sectors, earning over $147,245, make up 10.28% of the jobs. Job seekers in DC can find attractive salary options in a variety of fields.
What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC?

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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $251,638
This role involves diagnosing and treating a variety of illnesses. Many physicians work for clinics or large hospitals. They also see patients of all ages, providing a wide range of care. This position is crucial in managing community health.
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Physician
Average Salary: $250,402
Physicians diagnose and treat health conditions. They work in various settings, from hospitals to private practices. These professionals manage acute and chronic illnesses. They also offer preventative care and health education.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $232,987
This position focuses on oral health. Dentists perform routine check-ups and treatments. They work in private practices or dental clinics. These professionals help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. They also provide advice on oral hygiene.
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Chief Operating Officer
Average Salary: $231,627
This executive role oversees daily operations. The COO ensures efficient operations. They work in corporate environments, managing various departments. The goal is to enhance productivity and profitability. They also implement policies and procedures to meet business goals.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $223,585
This legal position provides expert advice to the company. The General Counsel handles all legal matters. They work for corporations, managing legal risks. They also draft and review contracts, ensuring compliance with laws. They play a key role in corporate strategy.
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Regulatory Affairs Director
Average Salary: $207,635
This role ensures compliance with regulations. The director works in industries like pharmaceuticals or technology. They manage interactions with regulatory bodies. They also develop strategies to meet regulatory requirements. This position is key to maintaining legal compliance.
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Technical Programs Manager
Average Salary: $199,439
This managerial role leads technical projects. Managers work in tech companies, overseeing teams. They coordinate project timelines and resources. They also ensure projects meet business objectives. This position is vital for successful project delivery.
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Counsel
Average Salary: $198,721
The Counsel provides legal advice to clients. They work in law firms or corporate legal departments. Their duties include reviewing contracts and advising on legal matters. They also represent clients in court. This role requires strong analytical skills.
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Director of Enterprise Strategy
Average Salary: $180,759
This strategic role focuses on long-term planning. The director works in large companies, setting goals and strategies. They analyze market trends and business performance. They also lead initiatives to drive growth. This position is crucial for organizational success.
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Business Director
Average Salary: $179,957
The Business Director manages a company's operations. They work in various industries, overseeing teams and projects. Their role involves setting business goals and strategies. They also ensure effective operations. This position is key to driving business growth.
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What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC without a degree?

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Canvasser
Average Salary: $70,633
This role involves visiting people’s homes and talking about products and services. Companies often hire canvassers for door-to-door promotions. Great for those who enjoy talking with people and working outside.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $54,971
Concrete finishers work on construction sites, smoothing and finishing concrete floors and walls. They use tools like trowels and brooms. This job is ideal for those who are strong and enjoy working outdoors.
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Banquet Houseperson
Average Salary: $51,724
These professionals set up banquet rooms for events. They arrange tables, chairs, and decorations. Working at hotels and event venues, they need to be detail-oriented and work well under pressure.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $48,909
Irrigation technicians install and maintain water systems for gardens and lawns. They work on both small gardens and large landscapes. Companies like landscaping firms and golf courses often hire these technicians.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $48,184
Food service aides help in kitchens, preparing food and cleaning dishes. They work in restaurants and cafeterias. This job is great for those who enjoy food and don’t mind a fast-paced environment.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $46,005
Housekeepers clean rooms and common areas in hotels and resorts. They ensure that everything looks neat and tidy. This role is perfect for those who like to keep things clean and organized.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $45,855
Landscapers maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. They plant flowers, trim trees, and work on garden projects. Landscaping companies and municipal parks often hire landscapers for their projects.
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Bus Person
Average Salary: $42,948
Bus persons clear and clean tables, restock items, and assist servers in restaurants. They keep the dining area running smoothly. Ideal for those who enjoy working in a busy environment.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $42,575
Service team members assist customers in various settings, like stores or restaurants. They help with transactions, answer questions, and maintain cleanliness. Great for those who value customer service.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $42,486
Meat cutters work in grocery stores or butcher shops, slicing and packaging meat. They need precision and attention to detail. Working in busy food sections, they must stay focused and organized.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Washington, DC?

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Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $234,582
Palo Alto Networks leads in cybersecurity, offering innovative solutions to protect organizations. They provide a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and professional development.
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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Average Salary: $206,621
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulates the securities market and protects investors. It offers stable employment with a strong reputation and comprehensive benefits.
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Okta
Average Salary: $206,125
Okta specializes in identity and access management, providing secure access solutions. They offer a collaborative work culture with a focus on employee development and innovation.
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Salesforce
Average Salary: $197,327
Salesforce is a leader in customer relationship management software. It offers a fast-paced environment with opportunities for advancement and a strong company culture.
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ServiceNow
Average Salary: $190,835
ServiceNow provides cloud-based software for enterprise workflow automation. It offers innovative solutions and a supportive work environment with a focus on employee well-being.
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Apple
Average Salary: $188,053
Apple designs and sells consumer electronics and software. It is known for its innovative products and a culture of creativity and collaboration.
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Anduril Industries
Average Salary: $186,317
Anduril Industries creates technology for national security. It offers challenging projects and a focus on cutting-edge innovation.
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Meta
Average Salary: $184,609
Meta, formerly Facebook, is a leading social media company. It offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities to influence global communication.
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Google
Average Salary: $179,769
Google is a tech giant known for its search engine and diverse tech products. It offers a creative and challenging work environment with numerous benefits.
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Shield AI
Average Salary: $177,742
Shield AI develops AI-driven software for defense and commercial applications. It offers a mission-driven culture with opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology.
How does the cost of living in Washington, DC compare to the national average?

Washington, DC, stands out with a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The housing index in Washington, DC, is 165, showing that housing costs are 65% higher than the national average. This high cost is due to the city’s limited space and high demand for urban living. Job seekers will find that setting up a home can be quite an investment.
In addition to housing, the transportation index in Washington, DC, is 115, indicating that transportation costs are 15% higher than average. This includes expenses for public transit, car ownership, and fuel. Groceries, another essential cost, are also 14% above the national average, with an index of 114. Although healthcare costs are somewhat high, at 130, they are only 30% over the average. The miscellaneous category, with an index of 120, shows that other living expenses are 20% higher than the national average. Overall, the cost of living in Washington, DC, is significantly higher in several key areas compared to the rest of the country.



