Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
Architecture and Engineering professionals in the District of Columbia earn an impressive average annual salary of $133,310, significantly surpassing the national average of $103,510. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique economic landscape and high demand for specialized skills within the nation's capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $133,310 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $191,880.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 10,820 professionals in Architecture and Engineering, the District of Columbia demonstrates a substantial presence in this sector. The location quotient of 0.92 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs per 1,000 workers (15.268) indicates a robust and active market for these roles.
Salary Overview
The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in District of Columbia earns+28.8%above the national average.
$64.1
$2,564
$11,109
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in the District of Columbia have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as infrastructure development, urban planning initiatives, and ongoing construction projects likely contribute to sustained demand and upward salary pressure.
Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in District of Columbia
Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations in the District of Columbia typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior engineers and architects, with extensive project portfolios and leadership experience, command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $78,800 | $37.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $99,983 | $48.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $130,880 | $62.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $166,638 | $80.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $191,880 | $92.3 |
Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$133,310
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$89,650
Adjusted for COL (148.7)
The average annual salary of $133,310 in the District of Columbia presents a complex picture when considering the high cost of living, which stands at 148.7% of the national average. While the nominal salary is substantially higher than the national figure, the elevated cost of housing, transportation, and daily expenses means that the purchasing power of this salary may be less than it initially appears, requiring careful financial planning for residents.
Job Market Context
10,820
Total Jobs
15.268
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
District of Columbia has 0.92x the national average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A location quotient of 0.92 for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in the District of Columbia indicates that the field is present at a level very close to the national average concentration. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where demand is consistent with the number of professionals available, offering good opportunities without extreme saturation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland nonmetropolitan area Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $88,130↓ 34% | 17 mi |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $112,000↓ 16% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $126,640↓ 5% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $95,900↓ 28% | 63 mi |
| Winchester, VA-WV Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary | $88,830↓ 33% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near District of Columbia
Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in District of Columbia?
The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in District of Columbia is $133,310. This typically ranges from $78,800 for entry-level positions to $191,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in District of Columbia is 28.8% higher than the national median of $103,510.
Is District of Columbia a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?
Yes, DC offers lucrative opportunities for Architecture and Engineering Occupations.The average salary of $133,310 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong earning potential. However, the high cost of living must be factored into the overall financial benefit.
Is District of Columbia a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in District of Columbia is 148.7. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near District of Columbia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Maryland nonmetropolitan area ($88,130) and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD.
How does the DC salary compare to the national average for Architecture and Engineering?
The average annual salary for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in the District of Columbia is $133,310, which is considerably higher than the national average of $103,510.
What is the cost of living in the District of Columbia relative to the national average?
The Cost of Living Index in the District of Columbia is 148.7, meaning it is 48.7% more expensive to live there than the national average (where 100 is the baseline).
How concentrated is the Architecture and Engineering job market in DC?
The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that the concentration of Architecture and Engineering jobs in DC is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced market.
How many Architecture and Engineering jobs are there per 1,000 workers in DC?
There are approximately 15.268 Architecture and Engineering jobs per 1,000 workers in the District of Columbia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 10,820 employees in the District of Columbia area with a job density of 15.268 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in District of Columbia
- All Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Management Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Legal Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other Salary in District of Columbia
- Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations Salary in District of Columbia
- General and Operations Managers Salary in District of Columbia
- Browse All Jobs in District of Columbia →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Architecture and Engineering Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in District of Columbia