District of Columbia salaries by occupation
The median worker in District of Columbia earned $88,000 a year in 2024, about $42.31 an hour, 77.8% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 371 occupations.
Median pay $88,000 $42.31 per hour
Vs national median +77.8% U.S. $49,500
Workers 708,790 wage and salary
Occupations reported 371 with at least 100 employed
What District of Columbia is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economists | 41.26× | 3,010 | $162,610 |
| Public Relations Managers | 24.7× | 8,640 | $185,810 |
| Concierges | 17.93× | 3,640 | $36,690 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 16.98× | 1,340 | $100,070 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | 15.88× | 2,700 | $122,320 |
| Public Relations Specialists | 14.04× | 18,110 | $97,800 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 11.5× | 1,740 | $63,630 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists | 10.8× | 2,060 | $103,350 |
| Lawyers | 9.73× | 33,430 | $191,880 |
| Legal Support Workers, All Other | 8.76× | 1,910 | $80,500 |
Metro areas in District of Columbia
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 1 District of Columbia metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | $68,430 | $32.90 | 3,118,630 | #3 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Internal Medicine Physicians | $209,250 | $100.60 | 620 | #8 of 15 |
| Psychiatrists | $193,470 | $93.01 | 240 | #8 of 10 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $191,880 | $92.25 | 5,060 | #7 of 49 |
| Lawyers | $191,880 | $92.25 | 33,430 | #2 of 49 |
| Nuclear Engineers | $189,800 | $91.25 | 240 | #1 of 22 |
| Public Relations Managers | $185,810 | $89.33 | 8,640 | #1 of 46 |
| Emergency Management Directors | $185,810 | $89.33 | 130 | #1 of 41 |
| Financial Managers | $181,210 | $87.12 | 7,950 | #3 of 51 |
| Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers | $181,060 | $87.05 | 300 | #1 of 34 |
| Financial Examiners | $177,550 | $85.36 | 590 | #1 of 48 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $176,950 | $85.07 | 1,290 | #5 of 49 |
| Aerospace Engineers | $175,350 | $84.30 | 330 | #1 of 36 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 38,240 | $106,810 | $51.35 |
| General and Operations Managers | 36,060 | $167,270 | $80.42 |
| Lawyers | 33,430 | $191,880 | $92.25 |
| Management Analysts | 20,330 | $125,500 | $60.34 |
| Managers, All Other | 18,180 | $171,910 | $82.65 |
| Public Relations Specialists | 18,110 | $97,800 | $47.02 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | 17,210 | $137,610 | $66.16 |
| Security Guards | 16,160 | $63,130 | $30.35 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 14,950 | $38,390 | $18.46 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 12,130 | $55,800 | $26.83 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in District of Columbia
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Education and library 45
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $161,830
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $134,620
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $132,100
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $128,490
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $103,780
- Instructional Coordinators $102,010
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $100,070
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $99,550
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $98,500
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $97,740
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $96,880
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $96,710
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $95,740
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $94,730
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $93,740
- Archivists $92,100
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $88,280
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $84,560
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $83,000
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $82,400
- Curators $81,990
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $81,620
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $81,030
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $80,670
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $79,670
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $79,360
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $79,100
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $78,880
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $78,770
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $78,700
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $78,550
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $78,090
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $77,750
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $77,520
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $77,370
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $76,490
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $76,450
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $75,210
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $74,300
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $61,480
- Library Technicians $58,780
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $47,930
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $45,090
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $44,820
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $39,510
Healthcare practitioners 34
- General Internal Medicine Physicians $209,250
- Psychiatrists $193,470
- Veterinarians $153,200
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $145,480
- Pharmacists $141,560
- Nurse Practitioners $131,380
- Physician Assistants $131,070
- Dental Hygienists $127,900
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $111,260
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $107,490
- Speech-Language Pathologists $106,950
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $106,130
- Surgical Assistants $105,080
- Registered Nurses $104,550
- Respiratory Therapists $104,240
- Physical Therapists $100,760
- Occupational Therapists $99,290
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $99,080
- Radiation Therapists $96,640
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $86,010
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $78,630
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $77,010
- Athletic Trainers $74,990
- Physicians, All Other $74,650
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $70,420
- Surgical Technologists $65,450
- Psychiatric Technicians $65,060
- Medical Records Specialists $64,690
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $55,900
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $53,020
- Dietetic Technicians $46,100
- Emergency Medical Technicians $45,920
- Pharmacy Technicians $45,670
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $42,540
Office and administrative support 34
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $101,170
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $85,520
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $82,280
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $77,730
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $75,050
- Billing and Posting Clerks $74,560
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $72,950
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $69,210
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $67,830
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $67,100
- Postal Service Clerks $65,770
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $63,740
- Procurement Clerks $63,610
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $62,470
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $60,960
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $58,390
- File Clerks $57,560
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $57,510
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $55,800
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $55,140
- Office Clerks, General $53,110
- Library Assistants, Clerical $52,890
- Data Entry Keyers $51,860
- Customer Service Representatives $49,210
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $48,270
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $48,230
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $47,980
- Order Clerks $47,930
- Word Processors and Typists $47,570
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $47,240
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $44,650
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $44,640
- Tellers $44,380
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $43,900
Management 28
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $191,880
- Public Relations Managers $185,810
- Emergency Management Directors $185,810
- Financial Managers $181,210
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $176,950
- Human Resources Managers $174,400
- Purchasing Managers $171,910
- Managers, All Other $171,910
- Marketing Managers $168,080
- General and Operations Managers $167,270
- Natural Sciences Managers $164,650
- Medical and Health Services Managers $161,050
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $160,800
- Sales Managers $154,320
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $144,190
- Fundraising Managers $136,150
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $133,720
- Education Administrators, All Other $133,680
- Training and Development Managers $129,890
- Construction Managers $128,770
- Administrative Services Managers $125,820
- Facilities Managers $115,710
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $106,530
- Social and Community Service Managers $99,700
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $86,040
- Food Service Managers $80,040
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $76,270
- Lodging Managers $73,090
Business and financial 26
- Financial Examiners $177,550
- Management Analysts $125,500
- Labor Relations Specialists $124,930
- Financial Specialists, All Other $123,450
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $117,960
- Budget Analysts $117,960
- Logisticians $117,500
- Financial Risk Specialists $114,550
- Financial and Investment Analysts $106,840
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $106,810
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $105,000
- Project Management Specialists $103,190
- Accountants and Auditors $103,030
- Compliance Officers $103,010
- Human Resources Specialists $102,500
- Loan Officers $102,200
- Personal Financial Advisors $100,840
- Insurance Underwriters $100,660
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $88,920
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $84,460
- Training and Development Specialists $84,460
- Cost Estimators $84,410
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $83,340
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $72,010
- Fundraisers $70,860
- Credit Counselors $61,810
Computing and mathematics 19
- Database Architects $157,080
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $153,630
- Actuaries $153,340
- Computer Network Architects $140,050
- Computer Occupations, All Other $137,610
- Data Scientists $137,120
- Software Developers $136,040
- Statisticians $133,680
- Database Administrators $128,440
- Information Security Analysts $127,760
- Web Developers $121,000
- Operations Research Analysts $115,980
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $114,140
- Computer Systems Analysts $114,110
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $110,130
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $91,820
- Computer Network Support Specialists $86,730
- Computer Programmers $82,580
- Computer User Support Specialists $76,880
Arts, design, entertainment and media 19
- Writers and Authors $121,160
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $119,020
- Photographers $110,530
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $103,350
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $100,940
- Film and Video Editors $100,270
- Producers and Directors $99,900
- Public Relations Specialists $97,800
- Broadcast Technicians $96,520
- Graphic Designers $90,710
- Technical Writers $89,180
- Editors $81,580
- Interpreters and Translators $81,140
- Interior Designers $79,060
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $77,870
- Audio and Video Technicians $72,030
- Set and Exhibit Designers $61,800
- Coaches and Scouts $59,740
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $42,230
Life, physical and social science 17
- Economists $162,610
- Physical Scientists, All Other $157,980
- Physicists $153,340
- Chemists $153,320
- Urban and Regional Planners $129,750
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $122,440
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $122,320
- Psychologists, All Other $117,960
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $115,710
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $110,830
- School Psychologists $100,720
- Epidemiologists $98,340
- Survey Researchers $96,670
- Biological Scientists, All Other $82,760
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $70,680
- Social Science Research Assistants $63,630
- Biological Technicians $55,910
Transport and material moving 17
- Transportation Inspectors $103,970
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $70,790
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $68,350
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $63,610
- Bus Drivers, School $54,450
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $53,870
- Passenger Attendants $52,730
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $50,470
- Transportation Workers, All Other $47,960
- Light Truck Drivers $47,620
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $45,510
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $45,140
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $44,020
- Stockers and Order Fillers $38,760
- Parking Attendants $36,610
- Air Traffic Controllers $35,940
- Driver/Sales Workers $35,750
Architecture and engineering 16
- Nuclear Engineers $189,800
- Aerospace Engineers $175,350
- Engineers, All Other $167,270
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $161,570
- Computer Hardware Engineers $153,630
- Electrical Engineers $138,860
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $135,810
- Mechanical Engineers $130,000
- Environmental Engineers $125,980
- Industrial Engineers $118,960
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $114,480
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $109,120
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $105,820
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $102,500
- Civil Engineers $102,170
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $88,430
Construction and extraction 16
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $96,330
- Construction and Building Inspectors $91,630
- Electricians $81,950
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $81,950
- Sheet Metal Workers $76,450
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $70,030
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $69,050
- Carpenters $66,100
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $64,100
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $61,920
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $60,860
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $59,810
- Roofers $57,150
- Pipelayers $54,130
- Construction Laborers $49,520
- Helpers--Electricians $47,510
Personal care and service 15
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $56,490
- Skincare Specialists $54,990
- Tour and Travel Guides $52,140
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $48,060
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $47,020
- Recreation Workers $45,760
- Childcare Workers $45,400
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $45,340
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $40,160
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $39,140
- Residential Advisors $38,160
- Animal Caretakers $37,980
- Concierges $36,690
- Shampooers $36,320
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $36,140
Community and social service 13
- Health Education Specialists $110,620
- Social Workers, All Other $107,060
- Healthcare Social Workers $92,600
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $82,230
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $80,280
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $78,920
- Rehabilitation Counselors $74,410
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $72,720
- Community Health Workers $71,550
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $67,440
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $66,140
- Clergy $64,990
- Social and Human Service Assistants $57,210
Food preparation and serving 13
- Chefs and Head Cooks $74,000
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $56,350
- Bartenders $54,930
- Waiters and Waitresses $45,770
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $45,600
- Cooks, Restaurant $45,230
- Food Preparation Workers $38,440
- Cooks, Fast Food $38,350
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $38,240
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $38,160
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $37,570
- Dishwashers $37,540
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $36,950
Sales 13
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $87,170
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $81,810
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $77,370
- Insurance Sales Agents $75,180
- Advertising Sales Agents $74,170
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $69,220
- Travel Agents $63,770
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $55,350
- Counter and Rental Clerks $49,130
- Real Estate Sales Agents $43,720
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $38,610
- Retail Salespersons $37,800
- Cashiers $37,540
Installation, maintenance and repair 12
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $96,240
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $95,930
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $93,170
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $85,380
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $83,390
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $74,470
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $71,270
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $71,030
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $61,780
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $60,600
- Medical Equipment Repairers $57,900
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $47,900
Production 10
- Printing Press Operators $115,770
- Machinists $101,810
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $98,780
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $89,160
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $74,930
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $70,030
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $58,700
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $47,880
- Bakers $39,090
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $37,070
Healthcare support 8
Protective service 8
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $134,760
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $126,560
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $88,330
- Firefighters $79,430
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $78,290
- Security Guards $63,130
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $58,640
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $39,610
Legal 4
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in District of Columbia?
The median across all occupations is $88,000 a year, or $42.31 an hour, covering 708,790 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in District of Columbia?
General Internal Medicine Physicians ($209,250), Psychiatrists ($193,470), Computer and Information Systems Managers ($191,880) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does District of Columbia employ the most people in?
Business Operations Specialists, All Other, with 38,240 employed at a median of $106,810. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. District of Columbia electricity averages 25.40¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.