District of Columbia Salary Data
Salary comparisons across 1 metropolitan area in District of Columbia. Prices in District of Columbia were 9.9% above the national level in 2024 (BEA regional price parity 109.9).
Metro Areas in District of Columbia
| Metro Area | Price Level (US = 100) | vs National Level |
|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | 108.9 | +8.9% |
| District of Columbia (statewide) | 109.9 | +9.9% |
Top Paying Occupations in District of Columbia
| Occupation | DC Median | National Median | vs National | Metro Covered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $195,190 | $159,670 | +$35,520 | Washington, DC |
| Software Developer | $136,880 | $135,980 | +$900 | Washington, DC |
| Financial Analyst | $105,780 | $102,740 | +$3,040 | Washington, DC |
| Registered Nurse | $102,540 | $97,550 | +$4,990 | Washington, DC |
| Electrician | $78,970 | $63,190 | +$15,780 | Washington, DC |
Salary by City — District of Columbia
4Wages and Prices in District of Columbia
This dataset covers 1 metropolitan area in District of Columbia: Washington. BEA's regional price parity for it is 108.9 (United States = 100), and the statewide figure is 109.9.
Of the occupations featured here, Lawyer has the highest statewide median at $195,190; in Washington, DC, the one metro area covered here, its median is $195,190.
To compare a wage across areas, divide it by the area's regional price parity and multiply by 100. That restates it at national-average prices; it covers prices only, not taxes. For a specific role, browse all occupations and drill into each one to see side-by-side city differences within District of Columbia.
Statewide median salary by occupation in District of Columbia
State-level BLS OEWS May 2025 estimates (all metro and non-metro areas combined), highest median first. Each row links to the full state page for that occupation.
| Occupation | Median | 75th pct | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $195,190 | $360,310 | 33,070 |
| HR Manager | $184,350 | $211,580 | 2,250 |
| Marketing Manager | $177,170 | $231,330 | 3,470 |
| Operations Manager | $168,000 | $204,890 | 36,150 |
| Actuary | $166,230 | $185,220 | 160 |
| Cloud Architect | $156,590 | $180,480 | 17,200 |
| Pharmacist | $153,400 | $165,710 | 850 |
| Sales Manager | $141,800 | $198,140 | 1,930 |
| Network Engineer | $137,670 | $171,280 | 1,490 |
| Dental Hygienist | $137,220 | $138,710 | 320 |
| Software Developer | $136,880 | $169,580 | 6,120 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $135,880 | $160,950 | 680 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $135,090 | $171,940 | 1,510 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $133,300 | $166,360 | 510 |
| Supply Chain Manager | $132,180 | $189,950 | 610 |
| Data Scientist | $126,490 | $174,650 | 2,680 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $126,490 | $174,650 | 2,680 |
| Construction Manager | $126,430 | $161,240 | 1,250 |
| Business Analyst | $126,140 | $148,700 | 19,000 |
| Database Administrator | $118,540 | $136,800 | 560 |
| Technical Writer | $117,810 | $128,610 | 440 |
| Accountant | $111,530 | $156,730 | 9,810 |
| Tax Manager | $111,530 | $156,730 | 9,810 |
| DevOps Engineer | $110,970 | $137,030 | 1,320 |
| Occupational Therapist | $109,170 | $125,130 | 540 |
| UX Designer | $107,650 | $136,480 | 480 |
| Financial Analyst | $105,780 | $134,370 | 3,670 |
| Financial Advisor | $104,990 | $189,990 | 480 |
| Project Manager | $104,900 | $143,440 | 5,170 |
| Civil Engineer | $103,880 | $130,720 | 1,650 |
| Radiologic Technologist | $102,770 | $111,390 | 660 |
| Registered Nurse | $102,540 | $127,800 | 11,440 |
| Physical Therapist | $101,640 | $128,750 | 610 |
| Plumber | $101,020 | $114,400 | 1,010 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $96,580 | $102,650 | 3,750 |
| Paralegal | $89,750 | $114,920 | 6,400 |
| HVAC Technician | $84,390 | $101,940 | 400 |
| School Counselor | $80,470 | $103,030 | 1,690 |
| Electrician | $78,970 | $122,050 | 2,440 |
| College Professor | $78,890 | $100,980 | 400 |
| Physician | $77,430 | $253,380 | 1,960 |
| Investment Banker | $72,010 | $131,170 | 1,500 |
| Welder | $60,180 | $75,580 | 280 |
| Medical Assistant | $51,050 | $59,850 | 2,260 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest paying jobs in District of Columbia?
Among the occupations featured on this page, Lawyer has the highest statewide median in District of Columbia at $195,190 per year, followed by Software Developer at $136,880. Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
How do prices in District of Columbia compare with the rest of the country?
The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis puts the regional price parity for District of Columbia at 109.9 for 2024, where the United States is 100. That is 9.9% above the national level. For the metro area covered here: Washington, DC 108.9.