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What is the average salary in Washington, DC?

The average salary in Washington, DC is $98,002 per year.

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.

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What are the best paying jobs in Washington, DC?

Washington, DC, offers some of the highest paying jobs in various industries. Primary Care Physicians lead the list, earning around $251,638 annually. Other top jobs include Physicians, General Dentists, and Chief Operating Officers, each offering substantial salaries. Positions in healthcare, law, and corporate management dominate the list, reflecting the city's diverse economic landscape. Executive roles such as General Counsel and Regulatory Affairs Directors also pay well, with salaries above $200,000. Technical and business roles like Technical Programs Manager and Director of Enterprise Strategy also provide competitive pay. These jobs demand specialized skills and experience, making them highly valued in the nation's capital.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting Primary Care Physician with the highest at $251,638 and Business Director with the lowest at $179,957.
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. 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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  6. 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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  7. 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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  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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?

Looking for high-paying jobs in Washington, DC without a college degree? Several options offer good salaries and opportunities for advancement. These jobs range from working in landscaping and food service to positions in construction and transportation. Canvassers, for instance, can earn over $70,000, while concrete finishers and banquet housepersons can make over $50,000. Irrigation technicians, food service aides, and housekeeping roles also provide salaries that exceed $45,000. These positions require specific skills and hard work but can lead to stable and well-paying careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Washington, DC without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $70,633 and Meat Cutter with the lowest at $42,486.
  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Washington, DC


  5. 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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  6. 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.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Washington, DC


  7. 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.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Washington, DC


  8. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Washington, DC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Washington, DC?

Seeking a top-paying job in Washington, DC? Several companies in the area offer competitive salaries. Palo Alto Networks leads with an average salary of $234,582. Close behind, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission pays an average of $206,621. Companies like Okta and Salesforce also provide attractive compensation, with averages around $206,125 and $197,327, respectively. Job seekers will find other promising employers in Washington, DC. ServiceNow, Apple, and Anduril Industries offer average salaries above $184,000. Meta, Google, and Shield AI round out the list of well-paying companies, with averages between $177,000 and $184,609. These opportunities make Washington, DC a strong location for those seeking a higher income.
Graph displaying company salaries in Washington, DC, highlighting Palo Alto Networks with the highest at $234,582 and Shield AI with the lowest at $177,742.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. Anduril Industries
    Average Salary: $186,317
    Anduril Industries creates technology for national security. It offers challenging projects and a focus on cutting-edge innovation.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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 has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, as indicated by a cost of living index of 146. This index reflects an overall increase of 46% above the baseline of 100. Housing costs notably exceed the average by 65%, with an index value of 165. This significant variance affects potential job seekers considering relocation to the area, emphasizing the need for careful financial planning.
Cost of living comparison graph for Washington, DC vs. Nationwide: housing 65% higher, groceries 14% higher, utilities 7% higher, transportation 15% higher, healthcare 30% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

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.

There are 9,657 job openings in Washington, DC, today!

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City
Overview
Washington, DC
9,657 Job Openings