What is the average salary in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average yearly salary stands at $98,389, providing a good income for many job seekers. Professionals in the top-paying sectors can earn significantly more. This makes Washington, DC an attractive place for those looking to advance their careers.
Job sectors with the highest salaries include:
- Finance and Insurance: 21.62% of jobs
- Educational Services: 14.18% of jobs
- Health Care and Social Assistance: 12.63% of jobs
- Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services: 12.62% of jobs
- Government: 9.15% of jobs
- Information: 8.69% of jobs
- Real Estate and Rental and Leasing: 6.33% of jobs
- Other Services: 4.16% of jobs
- Manufacturing: 2.85% of jobs
- Utilities: 1.65% of jobs
- Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: 1.11% of jobs
What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC?

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Physician
Average Salary: $255,688
This role includes diagnosing illnesses and creating treatment plans. Physicians work in hospitals and private practices. Institutions such as Johns Hopkins and MedStar offer these roles. Their focus is on patient care and medical expertise.
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Primary Care Physician
Average Salary: $253,498
This role involves providing general medical care to patients. They manage chronic diseases and preventive care. They work in hospitals and clinics. Providers like Kaiser Permanente and MedStar Health offer these roles. Their focus is on patient wellness and disease prevention.
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Chief Operating Officer
Average Salary: $231,015
This executive role oversees daily operations. It includes strategic planning and resource management. Companies such as IBM and Deloitte look for these leaders. Their focus is on efficiency and business performance.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $228,419
This role involves diagnosing and treating dental issues. They perform cleanings and procedures. They work in private practices. Firms like Aspen Dental offer these roles. Their focus is on oral health and patient care.
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General Counsel
Average Salary: $221,656
This position provides legal advice to the organization. They manage legal issues and compliance. Companies like Amazon and Google seek these experts. Their focus is on risk management and legal strategy.
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Regulatory Affairs Director
Average Salary: $207,274
This role ensures compliance with laws and regulations. They work with government agencies. Companies like Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson look for these professionals. Their focus is on regulatory compliance and risk management.
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Technical Programs Manager
Average Salary: $200,029
This role oversees technical projects. They manage teams and resources. Tech firms like Microsoft and Oracle offer these roles. Their focus is on project delivery and technical expertise.
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Counsel
Average Salary: $197,838
This role provides legal advice to clients. They handle contracts and litigation. Firms like WilmerHale and Akin Gump offer these positions. Their focus is on client service and legal representation.
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Director of Enterprise Strategy
Average Salary: $185,019
This role develops long-term business strategies. They analyze market trends and growth opportunities. Companies like Accenture and Deloitte seek these strategists. Their focus is on business growth and competitive advantage.
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Business Director
Average Salary: $181,939
This role leads business operations. They set goals and manage budgets. Firms like IBM and PwC look for these leaders. Their focus is on operational efficiency and business success.
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What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC without a degree?

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Canvasser
Average Salary: $71,667
Promoting a cause or product by speaking to the public. Often working for political campaigns, charities, or companies in the city. Flexible hours allow for good balance. Earn tips and bonuses.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $55,531
Smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces in construction sites. Working with builders and construction companies. Good pay with chances to learn new skills. Opportunities for overtime.
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Banquet Houseperson
Average Salary: $51,317
Setting up and cleaning banquet areas at events. Working in high-end hotels and event spaces. Offers flexible scheduling and tips. Great for social individuals.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $48,909
Installing and maintaining irrigation systems. Working for landscaping companies and golf courses. Combines outdoor work with steady income. Opportunity for growth into management.
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Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $48,604
Assisting kitchen staff in preparing meals. Working in busy restaurants and catering services. Good for those who love food and teamwork. Opportunities to learn about kitchen operations.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $46,750
Cleaning rooms in hotels and other lodging facilities. Working long hours, often with flexible shifts. Requires attention to detail and cleanliness. Opportunity for overtime pay.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $46,688
Maintaining and creating outdoor spaces in residential and commercial properties. Working for landscaping companies. Combines physical work with creativity. Opportunity for steady income.
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Bus Person
Average Salary: $43,335
Clearing tables and cleaning dining areas in restaurants. Working in fast-paced environments. Good for those who enjoy serving others. Tips can increase earnings.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $42,898
Cutting and preparing meat for sale in grocery stores. Working in supermarkets and butcher shops. Requires precision and attention to safety. Good for those who enjoy food preparation.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $42,796
Providing customer service in various retail settings. Working in stores and service-oriented businesses. Offers a chance to meet new people. Opportunities for tips and overtime.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Washington, DC?

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OpenAI
Average Salary: $256,683
OpenAI is a leading research organization in artificial intelligence. The company aims to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity.
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Palo Alto Networks
Average Salary: $234,954
Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity company. It offers next-generation firewalls and cloud-based security.
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U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Average Salary: $208,950
The SEC protects investors and maintains fair, orderly, and efficient markets. It ensures that the markets operate transparently.
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Okta
Average Salary: $206,898
Okta is an identity management company. It offers a range of identity and access management solutions.
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Salesforce
Average Salary: $196,691
Salesforce is a cloud-based software company. It provides customer relationship management services.
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Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)
Average Salary: $192,654
PCAOB is an independent organization. It oversees the audits of public companies to protect investors.
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ServiceNow
Average Salary: $191,226
ServiceNow delivers cloud-based software for enterprise workflow automation. It helps businesses run workflows more efficiently.
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Apple
Average Salary: $188,630
Apple is a technology company. It designs, manufactures, and markets consumer electronics and computer software.
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Anduril Industries
Average Salary: $187,066
Anduril Industries focuses on autonomous systems and technology. It develops technologies for defense and security.
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Meta
Average Salary: $185,269
Meta is a company that owns Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and more. It connects people and helps them share and grow.
How does the cost of living in Washington, DC compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Washington, DC, stands notably higher than the nationwide average, as indicated by the various indices. Housing costs are particularly striking, with an index of 175. This figure means that housing expenses in DC are 75% higher than the average costs across the nation. The high housing index significantly impacts overall living expenses, making DC one of the more expensive cities to live in.
In addition to housing, other categories show increased costs compared to the nationwide average of 100. Groceries, for instance, have an index of 115, meaning that food costs are 15% higher in DC. Transportation costs follow closely with an index of 130, indicating a 30% increase. Utilities and healthcare also show higher costs, with indices of 105 and 120, respectively, which means these expenses are 5% and 20% higher than average. Miscellaneous costs are at an index of 110, adding another 10% to the overall cost of living. These figures illustrate that many aspects of daily life in Washington, DC, cost more than the national average.



